Croatia refused to train Ukrainian military personnel within EU training mission

President Zoran Milanović refused to give prior consent to the participation of Croatian Armed Forces personnel in the European Union mission, which is engaged in the training and education of Ukrainian military personnel.

EP writes about it.

The corresponding letter was sent to him by the Minister of Defense, Mario Banožić.

In his explanation, the Croatian leader claims that the circumstances surrounding the participation of Croatian servicemen in this mission are incomprehensible and unjustified.

Also, according to Milanović, the Minister of Defense does not have the authority to initiate a request for a training mission. Therefore, Milanović expects that the government, perhaps the parliament, will turn to him and not to Banožić.

Also, according to him, the attached draft decision does not specify either the activities that will be carried out by the members of the Croatian army abroad or the actions or measures that will be carried out by the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the territory of the Republic of Croatia.

Another reason for the refusal is that Ukraine is not formally included in the list of allies of the Republic of Croatia, whose troops can pass and arrive for training in the country, as provided by the constitution and laws.

The training mission of Ukrainian servicemen is the largest EU military mission to date.

About 20 countries are expected to take part in it, and the decision to create a training mission for 15,000 soldiers from Ukraine was already made by the foreign ministers on October 17.

The Government of the Republic of Croatia also announced Croatia's participation in the mission. And there were rumors that several dozen Ukrainian soldiers would arrive in Croatia to undergo training in demining and providing medical care on the battlefield.

The government does not want to comment on anything, apparently keeping everything secret, but confirms that the choice of these training "modules" is a proposal of the armed forces.

Regarding Milanović's refusal, Minister Banožić said that now a parliamentary majority of two-thirds of votes is needed to make such a decision, and he is confident that it will be obtained.

He claims that he does not see any reason why Milanović rejected his letter.

As you know, the president of Croatia has repeatedly made anti-Ukrainian statements.