Zagreb - Sabor Speaker Gordan Jandroković said on Monday at a summit held by the Ukrainian parliament to mark the third anniversary of the liberation of the city of Bucha, that Croatia advocates a fair and viable peace that will be acceptable to Ukraine.
Jandroković recalled the words of the Ukrainian Verkhovna Rada Speaker, Ruslan Stefanchuk, in his address to the Croatian Parliament in October 2022, following the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea Platform, held in Croatia.
Stefanchuk had stated that for Ukrainians and Croats, the bells of Bucha and Mariupol sound the same as the bells of Vukovar and Gospić, two Croatian cities which became a byword for the war atrocities of the 1990s.
Regarding the current negotiations on a ceasefire in Ukraine, Jandroković emphasised that Croatia views a potential ceasefire as only the first step towards a just and sustainable peace that will be acceptable to Ukraine.
He stated that "we are witnessing Ukraine's constructive commitment... and a cold and insincere approach by Russia, which continues with destruction and delays, criticising many who believe peace should be based on respect for international law as advocates of prolonging the war."
"Unfortunately, there are politicians who are not immune to such a narrative by Russia, both within and outside the European Union. However, this must not discourage us from supporting Ukraine and its efforts to ensure that the final peace is lasting and just, because by supporting that country, we are also defending our own values and the rule-based order," said Jandroković.
Jandroković noted that concrete efforts and continued multidimensional support for Ukraine are still necessary.
He recalled that the Croatian government had adopted the 13th package of bilateral military aid for the country this March, the second such package since the beginning of the year.
Along with various other forms of assistance, Croatia continues to offer its specific expertise and knowledge in areas such as prosecuting war crimes, humanitarian demining, and caring for war veterans, Jandroković said.
In that context, he invited representatives of the countries participating in the Bucha summit to take part in the International Conference on War Veterans, to be held in Croatia in October.
Jandroković stressed that strengthening Ukraine and its position requires joint efforts to enhance future defence capabilities.
"At the same time, it is essential that the final outcome of negotiations respects international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, because any other scenario would reward and further encourage the aggressor. This would, in turn, have severe and far-reaching consequences for global security and the rule-based order," he said.
"Although the path to a just peace may ultimately be longer than desired, the Ukrainian people has shown resilience, courage, and strength from the very first day of Russia's war of aggression. Therefore, it is our task and duty to remain with Ukraine and its people in their legitimate and heroic struggle for freedom," Jandroković concluded.