Fact Check: Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence

Published March 11, 2025•Updated June 17, 2025

•By

✗

VERDICT

False

# Fact Check: "Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence" ## What We Know The claim that "Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence" overlooks se...

Fact Check: "Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence"

What We Know

The claim that "Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence" overlooks several key historical facts regarding the diplomatic relations and mutual recognition between the two nations. Croatia declared its independence from Yugoslavia on June 25, 1991, and Ukraine recognized Croatia's independence on December 11, 1991, making it one of the first countries to do so (Wikipedia). Furthermore, Ukraine was among the first United Nations member states to recognize Croatia, which is significant in the context of international support during Croatia's struggle for independence (Wikipedia, Government of the Republic of Croatia).

During the early 1990s, as Croatia faced military aggression, Ukrainian support was expressed through diplomatic channels. Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted that Ukraine provided military assistance to Croatia during this tumultuous period, emphasizing that Ukraine's recognition of Croatia's independence was a crucial act of solidarity (Government of the Republic of Croatia).

Additionally, the historical ties between Ukraine and Croatia have been acknowledged in various statements by officials from both countries, highlighting a mutual understanding and support during their respective independence movements (Zelenskyy).

Analysis

The assertion that Ukraine did not assist Croatia during its independence lacks substantiation when considering the broader context of diplomatic relations and mutual recognition. While it is true that direct military or financial assistance may not be extensively documented, the recognition of sovereignty and diplomatic support are critical forms of assistance in international relations.

The sources supporting the claim of Ukrainian assistance include statements from Croatian officials who explicitly acknowledge Ukraine's role in recognizing Croatia's independence and providing support during the conflict (Government of the Republic of Croatia, Wikipedia). The reliability of these sources is high, as they come from official government statements and well-established historical records.

Conversely, the claim's credibility is undermined by the lack of supporting evidence from reputable sources. The assertion appears to be based on a narrow interpretation of "help," which typically emphasizes military or financial aid, rather than recognizing the significance of diplomatic recognition and moral support during a critical time in Croatia's history.

Conclusion

Verdict: False

The claim that "Ukraine never helped Croatia's independence" is false. Ukraine played a significant role in recognizing Croatia's independence and providing diplomatic support during a crucial period. The historical context and the statements from both Ukrainian and Croatian officials clearly indicate a mutual recognition and support that contradicts the claim.

Sources

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:

"Coffee helps you live longer"

✓100% Free

✓No Registration

✓Instant Results