Zelensky: Croatia to provide support to Ukraine through SAFE defense mechanism

The parties also discussed the possibility of Croatia joining efforts to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. According to Ukrinform, the President announced this on Telegram.

“I spoke with the Prime Minister of Croatia, Andrej Plenković. Congratulated Andrej and all the people of Croatia on Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, the Day of Croatian Defenders. Ukrainians, more than anyone, understand the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and peace,” Zelensky stated.

The President also briefed on the situation at the front, the increase in Russian strikes on civilians, and cooperation with partners to strengthen Ukrainian troops. The parties discussed a new instrument for the purchase of American weapons, which is already working effectively.

In addition, according to Zelensky, the parties discussed the SAFE mechanism and the opportunities it offers to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

“Croatia will contribute its share to support our soldiers,” Zelensky emphasized.

As reported, the SAFE program is the first instrument within the European Commission’s plan to rearm Europe, called ReArm Europe, also known as Readiness 2030, which provides for an increase in defense spending in EU countries by more than €800 billion.

Also, the European Union considers Ukraine’s integration into the EU as a strategic direction for strengthening the future architecture of European security and intends to quickly integrate Ukraine’s defense industry and combine it with the technological and financial capabilities of the European defense industry.

As of the end of July, 18 EU countries had already expressed interest in receiving loans totaling €127 billion under the SAFE (Security Action for Europe) defense instrument.

The SAFE program is expected to mobilize investments of up to €150 billion.

Photo: Office of the President