President Milanović marks Operation Storm anniversary with calls for security, unity and strategic defence

(Photo: FOTO: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Ana Marija Katić)

KNIN, 5 August 2026 – Croatian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Zoran Milanović addressed the central ceremony in Knin on Wednesday marking Victory and Homeland Thanksgiving Day, Croatian Veterans Day, and the 31st anniversary of Operation Storm.

Opening his speech by congratulating Croatian veterans and citizens on the national holiday, Milanović paid tribute to those who fought in the Homeland War and honoured those who lost their lives, as well as their families.

He also acknowledged the contribution of Croats from Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing the conflict as a shared struggle fought alongside Croatia.

Reflecting on the events that led to the end of the war, Milanović said the Croatian Army’s military operations helped create the conditions for the Dayton Peace Agreement, arguing that Croatia’s role was an important factor in securing peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The President stressed the importance of preserving what he described as a truthful interpretation of recent history while saying Croatia should avoid reacting to every political statement coming from neighbouring Serbia.

Instead, he argued that greater attention should be paid to practical security issues, including regional military developments.

“Knin was not really the heart of the rebellion against the Croatian state and the right of the Croatian people to have their own national state within their internationally recognised borders. That rebellion came from Belgrade. And today, in recent days and years, we have been hearing the same nonsense all the time, some would say a revision of history,” he said, before adding.

“History is not a science in the sense of physics, so when you ignore it, the plane crashes. History is a type of interpretation that can be more honest and more dishonest. And I believe that our interpretation of history is honest. But again, I am subjective, I am the president of Croatia, I am a Croat and it is not necessary that everyone sees history in the same way, but I also think that we should not react to every verbal nonsense that comes across the Danube. 

Croatia won the war. Serbia is arming itself and is constantly saying that Operation Storm will never happen again. I don’t see a way for it to happen again, nor do I see a way for anyone to threaten Croatia at this point. I also don’t see anyone in Croatia today arguing too much about what Operation Storm was and what recent Croatian history is.

I think, I feel, I even see that the vast majority of people living in Croatia actually agree on the interpretation of the event, ​​that it was a victorious and fair war. However, when Serbia arms itself, with the help and direct assistance of some of our formal and informal advisors and allies, we have to ask ourselves, is this fair play? How much is it costing us? How much more will it cost us?”, Milanović said.

Milanović noted that Croatia currently faces no immediate military threat but said defence policy should focus on capabilities rather than simply increasing expenditure.

Referring to international discussions on raising defence spending, he questioned whether significantly higher military budgets would necessarily deliver proportionate improvements in security, suggesting governments should carefully consider the balance between defence investment and funding for public services such as education and universities.

(Photo: FOTO: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Ana Marija Katić)

Turning to global affairs, he pointed to the ongoing war in Ukraine and tensions in the Middle East as examples of the limits of conventional military power.

He also warned that instability affecting global energy supplies could have long-term consequences for countries dependent on imported energy, including Croatia.

Drawing on the biblical story of David and Goliath, Milanović said Croatia’s success during the Homeland War had been achieved through strategy and intelligence as well as military strength. He argued that the Croatian Armed Forces should continue adapting to modern security challenges, including new forms of asymmetric warfare, while building on the experience gained during the 1990s.

Concluding his address, Milanović said Croatia should remain focused on its national interests while continuing to strengthen its institutions and armed forces. He also expressed hope that unresolved issues affecting Croats in Bosnia and Herzegovina would be addressed in the near future.

(Photo: FOTO: Ured predsjednika Republike Hrvatske / Ana Marija Katić)

Prime Minister Andrej Plenković, Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković, and veterans’ representative Robert Puja also addressed the central ceremony in Knin.

Earlier in the day, President Milanović laid a wreath and lit candles at the Operation Storm ’95 Croatian Victory Monument, accompanied by senior military officials and local representatives.