In the wake of Russia's military attack on Ukraine on Thursday morning, Croatian Parliament Speaker, Gordan Jandrokovic, expressed solidarity with the people of Ukraine, saying he hoped military operations would be halted and that the Sabor would "issue a declaration in that regard."

“I ask you to show solidarity. We are a country that experienced a similar situation in our recent past. We suffered huge casualties and property damage. We express our solidarity with the people of Ukraine and believe and hope that military operations will be stopped,” Jandrokovic said in the Sabor.

He called on the Foreign Affairs Committee to present the plenary with a declaration that will clearly support Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and harshly condemn Russia’s military invasion and aggression.

“I call on the Committee Chairman Gari Capelli and Committee members to urgently propose a declaration that will call for an immediate cessation of military operations in an effort to prevent great casualties and property damage,” said Jandrokovic.

He recalled that on 22 February the Committee adopted a unanimous conclusion expressing concern over the situation in Ukraine and supporting Ukraine’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence within its internationally recognized borders and a peaceful settlement of disputes.

Secure and stable Ukraine in Europe’s strategic interest

The Committee expresses its firm belief that a secure, stable and prosperous Ukraine is in the interest of the entire European continent, and condemns the violation of international law by the Russian Federation.

The Committee will continue to closely monitor the situation in Ukraine and based it will once again discuss the situation in Ukraine and its immediate surroundings, Jandrokovic read out the Committee’s conclusions to MPs.

He called on lawmakers to be responsible and aware of what is happening and of the possible consequences which “might be inconceivable.”

“I call on everyone to be very cautious, to follow what is happening and to be responsible to our duties and obligations,” underscored Jandrokovic who met with the government prior to the Sabor sitting, in reference to the latest developments in Ukraine.