Dnipropetrovsk Investment Agency keeps introducing about the level of Ukraine and Dnipropetrovsk region cooperation with other countries amid the unprovoked military aggression by the russian federation. For now, we propose an overview of the assistance provided by the Republic of Croatia and the foreign trade volume figures, which is derived from DIABASE data.

For almost three and a half years, Croatia has been actively supporting Ukraine in the war against the russian federation, providing both military aid (in particular, armored vehicles and tanks) and significant financial, humanitarian and expert support. The Republic of Croatia plays an important role at the diplomatic level, promoting sanctions against the aggressor and supporting Ukraine’s European integration.

Since the beginning of russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, Croatia has provided Ukraine with aid totaling about €,300 million. This support covers several areas: economic assistance to stabilize the financial system and ensure the functioning of state institutions, humanitarian aid for war victims, as well as development projects in the fields of education, medicine and infrastructure restoration. A significant part of the funds was directed through international organizations, such as UNHCR and the Red Cross, which made it possible to quickly respond to the urgent needs of Ukrainians. In addition, Croatia transferred material resources — from medical equipment and medicines to transport and equipment for demining, combining financial support with practical assistance on the ground.

In October 2024, Ukraine and the Republic of Croatia concluded a historic 10-year cooperation agreement, which was an important step towards deepening the strategic partnership between the two countries. The document covers a wide range of areas — from defense support to humanitarian and social recovery. In particular, Croatia has undertaken to provide technical and expert assistance in the development of Ukraine’s defence industry. It is not only about the supply of weapons or equipment, but also about the transfer of technologies, consultations, the creation of joint ventures or the localization of production on Ukrainian territory.

In addition to security and technical support, Croatia has also committed to assisting Ukraine in the areas of cyber security, social adaptation of veterans, development of health services, educational programs, ensuring energy stability, as well as in matters of bringing to justice those responsible for war crimes. Separately, the Balkan country promised to support Ukraine’s course towards joining the European Union and NATO, as well as consistently advocate for increased international pressure on russia, including sanctions and legal responsibility.

In January 2025, the Croatian government decided to provide additional humanitarian support to Ukraine in the amount of €2 million. These funds were transferred through the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and are aimed at providing winter assistance to war-affected Ukrainians. It is, in particular, about the insulation of temporary housing, the provision of warm clothes, blankets, fuel, electric heaters and other vital things for the passage of a harsh winter.

Croatia also actively supports Ukraine in the military sphere, having already provided 11 aid packages. As part of this support, Ukraine received armored vehicles, tanks, ammunition, communications equipment and other necessary equipment. The Republic of Croatia participates in international weapons supply programs: in particular, in 2024 it handed over Soviet M-84 tanks and infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine as part of an exchange with Germany, for which it received modern Leopard 2A8 tanks in return.

The Croatian side is constantly updating the aid. In 2025, new supplies were announced, which include both technical equipment and specialized support in the areas of defense industry, intelligence and cyber defense.

In addition to weapons, Zagreb shared its unique experience of demining territories, providing Ukraine not only with equipment, but also with the training of specialists. Thanks to this, Croatia’s contribution to the support of Ukraine is both practical and strategic in nature —, it is aimed not only at the current defense, but also at the long-term security and reconstruction of the country. In total, Croatia has already allocated more than €10 million to this area.

The development of mutually beneficial trade and economic cooperation also remains an important priority of the two countries. The analysis of export and import operations of Dnipropetrovsk region with Croatia demonstrates the growing level of partnership relations, because the specified state is an important trade partner of the region.

According to the results of 2024, the volume of exports of goods from Dnipropetrovsk region amounted to $10.2 million and increased by 37.8% compared to last year. Among the goods that are in demand among Croatian consumers are ferrous metals and products thereof, other products made of non-precious metals, fats and vegetable oils, etc.

Export operations were carried out by more than 20 enterprises from Dnipropetrovsk region. The main exporting companies – are enterprises of the metallurgical complex, food, engineering, processing enterprises.

TOP-5 exporter enterprises (ranked by volume of exported products):

Imports of goods from Croatia to Dnipropetrovsk region amounted to $9.9 million and decreased compared to 2023 by 4.8%. Dnipropetrovsk region traditionally bought: essential oils, pharmaceutical products, machinery and equipment, fertilizers, textile materials, etc.

Import operations were carried out by more than 20 importer enterprises.

TOP 5 importer enterprises (ranked by volume of imported products):

Import operations were mainly carried out by pharmaceutical, trade, processing, and food enterprises.

Source: information for the preparation of the article is taken from open online sources