- by croatiaweek
- October 27, 2025
-
in
News
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
Croatia and Ukraine have taken a significant step towards deepening their defence cooperation with the signing of a Letter of Intent between their respective ministries of defence.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of Croatia, Ivan Anušić, met with Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, in Kiev on Monday, where the two ministers formalised plans for joint collaboration in defence production.
The agreement, signed between the Croatian Ministry of Defence (MORH) and the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence, aims to support joint projects and shared production of defence equipment in both Croatia and Ukraine.
The initiative falls under Ukraine’s “Build with Ukraine” programme, which seeks to strengthen cooperation with EU partners in rebuilding and advancing its defence industry.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
Minister Anušić emphasised Croatia’s solidarity with Ukraine, drawing parallels between the two countries’ experiences of war and struggle for sovereignty.
“Croatia has supported Ukraine’s fight for freedom, independence and democracy from the very beginning of Russia’s aggression. We understand what you are going through, Croatia endured a similar path. With your resistance and courage, you are defending not only your country but also peace and international law in Europe,” said Anušić.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
He added that the newly signed Letter of Intent will elevate bilateral cooperation to a new level, marking another step in strengthening the partnership between the two nations’ defence industries.
“You have shown incredible courage and resilience against those who believed you could be defeated in just a few days. Croatia will continue to stand with you and your people,” Anušić concluded.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
The signing follows the Agreement on Long-Term Cooperation and Support between Croatia and Ukraine, signed by Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in October 2024.
Although the Letter of Intent is not legally binding, it establishes a framework for future agreements and cooperation, subject to formal approval by both governments.
Ukraine’s Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, expressed his gratitude to Croatia for its ongoing support since the beginning of Russia’s aggression, acknowledging Croatia’s role as a consistent and reliable partner.
(Photo: MORH/ J. Šeri)
The full text of the signed Letter of Intent is available on the Ministry of Defence website.
