Milanović and Plenković at Operation Storm anniversary: Pay attention to Serbia's armament, we are investing in the military

Croatian President Zoran Milanović and Prime Minister Andrej Plenković marked the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm in Knin, a pivotal military-police operation in Croatia's war for independence. The commemoration also honored Croatian defenders and their families.

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To the defenders and all those who were with them, I say a big, deep, sincere, and human thank you.

Milanović addressed the ongoing security concerns, urging Croatia to pay close attention to Serbia's military buildup. "When Serbia arms itself, with the formal and direct assistance of some of our formal and informal advisors and allies, we have to ask ourselves if that is fair play. How much will that cost us?" he stated, linking Serbia's actions to the "re-writing of history" and the origins of the rebellion in Croatia, which he asserted came from Belgrade.

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This was a joint war of brothers in arms, inseparable from each other.

Prime Minister Plenković, meanwhile, highlighted Croatia's commitment to strengthening its armed forces. "Croatia is investing heavily in the army for peace, security, and investor confidence, and this is not a threat to anyone," he assured. Plenković also pledged new pension supplements for Croatian veterans, acknowledging their sacrifices during the war. He described Operation Storm as a "brilliant military victory, a legitimate liberation operation, and the crown of Croatia's fight for freedom."

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We have to pay attention to Serbia's armament because it affects Croatian security and requires money.

Both leaders acknowledged the significance of the operation, which liberated occupied territories and prevented a humanitarian catastrophe in Bihać, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Milanović also reiterated his view that the Dayton peace agreement was facilitated by the Croatian army's intervention, calling it a "debt to Croatia."

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When Serbia arms itself, with the formal and direct assistance of some of our formal and informal advisors and allies, we have to ask ourselves if that is fair play. How much will that cost us?