ISTANBUL

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic on Friday spoke over the phone with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to discuss the security situation in Ukraine and ongoing peace initiatives.

"We are committed to achieving peace, but a just peace that will ensure sovereignty of #Ukraine and reintegration of the occupied territories," Plenkovic said on X.

He stressed that Ukraine’s and the EU’s positions must be "respected and represented in the negotiations."

Plenkovic also announced that he would participate via video link at a summit organized by Zelenskyy on Feb. 24, marking the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war.

"This year we will also support the adoption of a new UN resolution," he added.

For his part, Zelenskyy thanked Croatia for its continued support, including a recent military aid package.

"I had a good conversation with Croatian Prime Minister @AndrejPlenkovic and thanked him for Croatia’s support for Ukraine and the recent decision on a new military aid package," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

"It is important to maintain a shared understanding of current events. We discussed next steps and joint plans for the near future. Europe’s stance today determines its security tomorrow. We all need a strong and lasting peace," he said.

"We appreciate Croatia’s firm position that a ceasefire is impossible without clear security guarantees," he added.