Croatian President Zoran Milanović stated that the role of the Croatian Army and the Croatian Defence Council (HVO) was crucial in achieving the Dayton Peace Agreement, arguing that the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina would not have ended without their intervention.
Speaking at the central commemoration ceremony in Knin marking the anniversary of the Croatian military operation “Storm” (Oluja), Milanović paid tribute to Croatian veterans and emphasized that former soldiers remain the most relevant witnesses of the wartime events.
Addressing regional security issues, the Croatian president warned that Serbia’s accelerated military build-up is creating new challenges for Croatia and the wider region.
“When Serbia is arming itself, we have to ask how much this will cost us and whether this is a fair game,” Milanović said, noting that increased military spending could reduce funds available for other sectors such as healthcare and education.
He stressed that Croatia should focus on protecting its own interests and avoid reacting to every statement coming from Belgrade, while at the same time closely monitoring security developments in the neighborhood.
In his speech, Milanović also addressed the future of the Croatian armed forces, saying that modern security challenges require adaptation and modernization. He particularly highlighted Chief of the General Staff Tihomir Kundid, describing him as a commander with direct experience in combat operations.
Milanović emphasized that military success is achieved not only through strength but also through strategy, organization, and making the right decisions at critical moments.
“There would have been no Dayton without the Croatian Army, without the Guards Brigades and the HVO. That is a historical fact,” Milanović said, adding that the actions of Croatian forces were coordinated with their American allies.
