Stjepan Curaj, leader of the Croatian People's Party (HNS), a junior member of the ruling coalition, said the coalition partners supported the government at a meeting on Monday regarding sanctions against Russia and sending aid to Ukraine.

The prime minister informed the coalition partners about the government’s plans regarding sanctions against Russia and received their support, Curaj told reporters after the meeting.

Aid for Ukraine, both humanitarian and other, will be discussed in a closed cabinet session, Curaj said, without specifying what Croatia intends to send to Ukraine.

“We will send everything they have asked for and what we can send while taking account of the capabilities of our own armed forces,” he said.

Commenting on the situation with Sberbank, Curaj said that the bank was absolutely stable and liquid and that the most important thing for citizens was that their deposits were insured.

The withdrawal of deposits has dealt a blow to the bank’s liquidity, which is why a moratorium of two days has been declared so that the issue can be resolved.

“Sberbank has around a 2.3% share in the Croatian market, which is about HRK 11 billion in assets. We think that an agreement with the Single Resolution Board could ensure a bailout to minimise the consequences,” said Curaj, adding that he was convinced the European Commission would approve the proposed bailout plan.

Curaj added that exporters would feel the consequences of the sanctions against Russia, noting that without gas, Croatian exports to Russia accounted for about two per cent of total exports.

“We cannot go on as if it were business as usual, these are extraordinary measures and unfortunately, we will feel the consequences,” he said.

He went on to say that an interdepartmental task force would be established to deal with the issue of refugees, adding that he proposed that families who take in refugees should be given some sort of welfare assistance.

Curaj also raised the question of the spring sowing season, suggesting that as much land be cultivated and the sale of produce secured.

There was no talk of a new construction minister at the meeting, and the coalition partners would meet again this week to discuss the matter, Curaj said.