The Croatian Academy of Arts and Sciences (HAZU) expressed its solidarity with Ukraine in a letter to Ukraine's National Academy of Science in the wake of Russia's aggression on Ukraine, HAZU reported on Thursday.

“The Croatian Academy of Science and Arts is outraged with the news of Russia’s aggression on Ukraine and of the destruction of Ukrainian cities and the death of Ukraine soldiers and civilians,” HAZU said in its letter.

“We recall images of Croatia’s suffering during the Serbian aggression thirty years ago, when hegemonic ambitions clashed with the just and legitimate aspirations of the Croatian people for its own freedom, independence, and sovereign state. That historical experience obliges us in these difficult times for the Ukraine people, who is being denied the right to its independence and statehood, we express our solidarity with our friendly and close Ukraine,” the statement says.

HAZU joined in numerous appeals to stop the aggression against Ukraine which threatens peace not only in Europe and the world but also poses a risk for the world order and global security, HAZU said in its letter of solidarity.