Croatian PM Lauds Ukraine’s ‘Heroism’ on Secret Visit to Kyiv

Andrej Plenkovic meeting the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky/ Photo: Croatian govt

Upon his arrival, Plenkovic spoke with his Ukrainian colleague Denis Smihal, who called his visit a "strong message of support and solidarity".

"Let me first of all congratulate you on the heroism and immense resistance you have shown," Plenkovic said.

The Croatian Prime Minister recalled his conversation with Smihal on February 24 last year, just after Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine, adding that the Ukrainian then told him that the Ukrainian leadership would stay in the country.

"I think it was a key moment and the most important strategic decision in the defence of your country," said Plenkovic. "Today, you have already liberated 50 per cent of the territory from the occupiers, and that is certainly the motivation for the other liberation activities you are planning," he added.

Smihal thanked Plenkovic for his visit and participation in a summit in Buca. "I am also grateful to you for your support during the past 13 months since the beginning of the unprovoked all-out Russian aggression," he added.

On the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of Buca, which has become a symbol of Russian war crimes, a summit titled "Buča - Russia's responsibility for crimes in Ukraine" was organized.

Plenkovic arrived in the Ukrainian capital on Friday morning in complete secrecy by train. On the same train were also Moldovan President Maia Sandu, Slovak Prime Minister Eduard Heger and Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob.

Plenković laid a wreath in front of the Wall of Remembrance for those who died for Ukraine, placed in front of the Mihailovsky Monastery in Kyiv.

During the day, Plenkovic planned to meet...