Zelensky fortifies ties in Dubrovnik amid heavy security

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," putting the navy, air forces, and ground forces on alert.

Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in the Croatian city of Dubrovnik before noon Eastern Time, 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 defence, 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 defense industries. Croatia will continue to provide equipment and share expertise in humanitarian demining," Zelensky wrote on platform X.

On the occasion of Zelensky's visit, the city was under exceptionally strict security measures. Dubrovnik, situated on the Adriatic Sea, "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 ensures security.

"Every precaution you can imagine is being taken, especially in today’s age of drones and anti-drone technology, as well as snipers, counter-snipers, the navy, and the air force—all are on standby," said security expert Bono Marjanović in an interview with the newspaper "Jutarnji list."

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