Zelensky's fortified Dubrovnik visit boosts Ukraine-Croatia ties

Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Dubrovnik on Wednesday to participate in the South-East European Countries and Ukraine Summit. The Croatian city was "turned into a fortress," with the navy, air forces, and ground forces on alert.

Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik before noon, where the third South-East European Countries and Ukraine Summit is taking place. As he reported on social media, he met with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković to discuss further cooperation in defense, the rehabilitation of children and wounded soldiers, the reconstruction of Ukraine, and European integration.

"We also signed an agreement on long-term cooperation and support between our countries. Together, we will develop cooperation between our defence industries. Croatia will continue to provide equipment and share expertise in humanitarian demining," Zelensky wrote on platform X.

For Zelensky's visit, the city was placed under exceptionally strict security measures. Situated on the Adriatic Sea, Dubrovnik "has become a true fortress," Croatian media emphasize. Police patrols are visible everywhere, and some streets have been blocked. Containers and trash bins have been removed from areas near the leaders' travel routes and meeting places, and parking lots have been closed. Snipers have been deployed in the city, and a police helicopter is ensuring security above it.

"So, in fact, all the measures we can imagine, especially today where drones and anti-drones are relevant; snipers, counter-snipers, navy, air force," said security expert Bono Marjanović in an interview with the newspaper "Jutarnji list."

Croatian journalists note that similar security measures have only been in place during the visits of Pope John Paul II in 2003 and U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney in 2006.