Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Croatia and Minister of Defense Ivan Anušić, on the second day of the NATO summit held in Washington, emphasized the commitment of NATO members to providing strong support to Ukraine and increasing defense expenditures. Minister Anušić stated that clear and decisive messages were sent from the NATO summit about strengthening cohesion within the Alliance through increased defense expenditures and through the Pledge for Ukraine.

Minister Anušić confirmed that the Republic of Croatia supports Ukraine: "The Pledge envisages that NATO members annually allocate a total of 40 billion euros for Ukraine, and Croatia will contribute 66.6 million euros according to its economic strength. Croatia has already reached this amount through donations of military equipment to Ukraine this year, and it is expected that by 2027 it will reach allocations of two percent of GDP for defense, perhaps even earlier."

"Security and freedom have their price, which we felt during the Homeland War, and therefore we must always be ready. Our goal is not to attack but to deter, so that we are strong enough that no one can threaten our territorial integrity," emphasized the Minister of Defense.

The declaration adopted at the NATO summit provides key guidelines for the future period, including strengthening collective security, increasing defense expenditures, contributing to global stability and international cooperation, and supporting Ukraine. A strong message of unity and commitment of NATO members to Article 5 of the Washington Treaty was expressed.

"We will continue to ensure our collective defense against all threats and from all directions, based on a 360-degree approach, in order to fulfill NATO's three core tasks: deterrence and defense, prevention and crisis management, and collective security," the Declaration states.

The summit confirmed the lasting commitment to the full implementation of the Defense Investment Pledge, agreed in Vilnius, and recognized the need for increased investments in defense capabilities so that NATO allies can meet their obligations in a sustainable manner.

During the NATO summit, Minister Anušić attended an official dinner for defense ministers, organized by U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin.