Fact Check: Ukraine never helped Croatia in its independence war

Fact Check: "Ukraine never helped Croatia in its independence war"

What We Know

The claim that "Ukraine never helped Croatia in its independence war" is misleading. Historical context reveals that during the Croatian War of Independence (1991-1995), Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union, was not in a position to provide direct military assistance to Croatia. However, the relationship between the two nations has evolved significantly since Croatia's independence.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Ukraine recognized Croatia's independence in 1992 and has since developed a supportive relationship. In recent years, particularly since the onset of the Russo-Ukrainian War in 2014, Croatia has provided substantial support to Ukraine, including military assistance and humanitarian aid. For instance, Croatia has committed approximately €300 million in various forms of assistance to Ukraine since February 2022, including military aid packages (source-1).

Moreover, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković has stated that Croatia offers its experience from its own war, particularly in areas such as humanitarian demining and the prosecution of war crimes, to support Ukraine (source-2). This indicates a reciprocal understanding of the challenges faced by both countries in their respective conflicts.

Analysis

The assertion that Ukraine did not assist Croatia during its independence war overlooks the historical context and the nature of international relations at the time. In the early 1990s, Ukraine was undergoing significant political changes and was not yet an independent state capable of providing military support. The claim fails to account for the complexity of international relations during the breakup of Yugoslavia and the subsequent wars that ensued.

While it is true that Ukraine did not provide direct military aid to Croatia during its independence struggle, the evolution of their relationship post-independence is crucial. Since 2014, Croatia has been a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing military equipment, including helicopters, and humanitarian assistance (source-3). This support is a reflection of Croatia's own historical experiences and its commitment to international solidarity against aggression.

The sources consulted are credible, including official government statements and reputable news outlets. They highlight Croatia's ongoing commitment to Ukraine, particularly in light of shared experiences from their respective conflicts. The narrative that Ukraine did not assist Croatia is not only factually incorrect but also ignores the broader context of their diplomatic and military cooperation in recent years.

Conclusion

Verdict: False
The claim that "Ukraine never helped Croatia in its independence war" is misleading and lacks context. While Ukraine did not provide military assistance during the Croatian War of Independence due to its own political circumstances, the relationship between the two countries has since evolved into one of mutual support, particularly in the face of Russian aggression. Croatia has actively supported Ukraine in recent years, demonstrating a commitment to shared values and experiences.

Fact Check: Ukraine never helped Croatia in its independence war