Croatia to recall all troops from NATO in case of Russia-Ukraine conflict

The Croatian authorities will recall all troops from NATO forces in eastern Europe in case of a conflict between Russia and Ukraine, President Zoran Milanovic said on television on Tuesday.

“As the commander-in-chief I have been closely following statements indicating that NATO – not one country, not the United States – is building up its presence and sending some reconnaissance ships. We do not have any bearing on this and we will not have anything to do with this. I guarantee this,” Milanovic said.

“Croatia will not send any troops in case of an escalation. On the contrary, it will recall all troops, to the last Croatian soldier,” he promised.

At the same time Milanovic stressed that this intention was not related with Ukraine or Russia in anyway. The decision stemmed from what he described as “trends in the United States’ domestic policies, being conducted by Joe Biden and his administration,” whose rise to power Milanovic had welcomed.

“As far as international security matters are concerned, I can see inconsistency and in fact dangerous behavior,” he said.

Milanovic also mentioned his political opponents – Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic-Radman, Defense Minister Mario Banozic and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic.