A fourth group of wounded individuals from Ukraine has arrived at Zagreb Airport today —17 people, accompanied by three family members. They have been transferred to hospitals for treatment and rehabilitation, reports HRT. 

"Most of them are young, and several have suffered severe injuries, including amputations. Based on the medical assessments we exchanged with the Ukrainian side, they are being assigned to hospitals for treatment and later to veterans' centers," said Croatian Minister of Veterans' Affairs and Deputy Prime Minister Tomo Medved.

Croatia deeply understands the horrors Ukraine is enduring, Medved noted. The first priority for the wounded is medical stabilization, after which they will have the opportunity to speak with Croatian war veterans who have also experienced severe injuries.

"Thirty-five years ago, these veterans went through devastating injuries, recovered, and today they have families and even grandchildren. The experiences they will share serve as invaluable encouragement," Medved emphasized.

The first group of wounded Ukrainian individuals arrived in Croatia in April 2023. In total, 55 people, accompanied by 27 family members, have come for treatment as part of the first three groups.

"Given the ongoing intense battles to defend Ukraine’s sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, Croatia will continue to assist the Ukrainian people by providing medical care for their wounded, as well as through other forms of aid and support," the minister stated.

Most of the injured from the first three groups have since returned to Ukraine, while 12 remain in Croatia under temporary protection status. They are entitled to the same rights as other displaced persons under Croatian law.

Minister Medved highlighted the establishment of a just peace in Ukraine as a priority. He also expressed gratitude to the Norwegian team that, for the fourth time, organized the flight transporting wounded individuals from Poland.

"This is yet another clear sign of strong international cooperation and support for the Ukrainian people and their defenders," he stated.

Ukraine’s Ambassador to Croatia, Vasilj Kyrylych, extended his gratitude to the directors of hospitals and veterans' centers, as well as to the entire Croatian government, for their strong support in providing treatment and rehabilitation for the wounded.