Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (R) meets with visiting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte in Zagreb, Croatia, Jan. 12, 2026. (Patrik Macek/PIXSELL via Xinhua)
ZAGREB, Jan. 12 (Xinhua) -- No Croatian troops will be sent to Ukraine, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic reiterated at a joint press conference with visiting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte on Monday.
"Croatia's position is clear. The participation of our Armed Forces on Ukrainian territory is not an option, but we will find ways to help Ukraine, as we have done so far," Plenkovic said.
Croatia has dispatched 15 packages of military aid to Ukraine, he said, adding that his country will host an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the spring of 2027.
Referring to Greenland, Plenkovic called for talks and said the United States must respect its allies.
"The message is that allies must respect each other, and this also applies to the U.S.. I am sure that a solution can be found through talks. Greenland is part of Denmark, and, therefore, quality dialogue can resolve this situation," Plenkovic said.
Since starting his second term in January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in gaining control of Greenland, saying that he would not rule out using "military or economic coercion" to achieve that goal.
Greenland, once a Danish colony, became an integral part of the Kingdom of Denmark in 1953. It was granted home rule in 1979, expanding its autonomy, though Denmark retains control over foreign affairs and defense. ■
Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic (R, front) welcomes visiting North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte in Zagreb, Croatia, Jan. 12, 2026. (Patrik Macek/PIXSELL via Xinhua)