Politics / Croatia
Croatia politics page with daily media monitoring across HINA, Index.hr, HRT and Večernji, structured summaries of domestic political developments and a country-level press overview.
VIZA 26.02.2026.
Summary
Ukraine is currently in its fifth year of conflict with Russia, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory. The political landscape in Europe is shifting, particularly in Germany and France, as tensions rise and support for far-right movements increases. The ongoing conflict has raised questions about the effectiveness of international support and the assumptions underlying military strategies. The lack of decisive victory suggests that current military and diplomatic efforts may be insufficient to resolve the conflict, indicating a need for reevaluation of strategies and potential new alliances.
Support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia has not been provided, and Ukraine has proposed a new plan regarding Russian NAVTA. The ongoing conflict has highlighted weaknesses in recognizing early signs of escalation, which have been evident since 2014. The assumption that sanctions alone can deter aggression is flawed, as evidenced by ongoing purchases of Russian NAVTA by some countries, indicating a missing variable in the analysis of geopolitical dynamics.
Trump's policy remains unfulfilled, raising concerns about the US government's influence on Europe and other nations. Diplomatic negotiations with Iran are ongoing, focusing on uranium enrichment and missile programs amidst a significant military presence. The presence of a substantial military force complicates the diplomatic landscape, suggesting that without addressing underlying tensions, any agreement may be superficial and short-lived.
Friedrich Merz's leadership candidacy has raised concerns about the party's future success in upcoming elections, particularly in light of the political legacy of former chancellor Angela Merkel. The political climate in Germany is further complicated by rising tensions in France and the influence of far-right parties following recent events. The assumption that Merz's achievements will translate into electoral success overlooks the significant impact of external factors, such as the far-right's growing influence and public sentiment towards Merkel's legacy.
Perspectives
Analysis of geopolitical dynamics and conflicts.
Pro-Ukraine and Sanctions Support
- Highlights Ukraines ongoing struggle against Russian aggression
- Argues for the necessity of international support and reevaluation of military strategies
- Proposes that sanctions are essential to deter Russian aggression
Pro-Russian and Sanctions Critique
- Questions the effectiveness of sanctions against Russia
- Claims that ongoing purchases of Russian NAVTA undermine sanctions
- Denies that military presence alone can deter Iranian threats
Neutral / Shared
- Notes the shifting political landscape in Europe
- Acknowledges the complexities of international diplomacy
- Recognizes the potential for backlash against far-right movements
Metrics
financial_aid
800 billion dollars USD
public and private financial support for Ukraine
This significant financial aid is crucial for Ukraine's recovery and defense efforts.
about 800 billion dollars of the public and private hearts of the Western countries
other
20th package of sanctions
support for sanctions against Russia
The absence of support indicates a potential shift in international policy.
we have not given the support for the 20th package of sanctions
other
a few days away
Iran's capability to enrich uranium
This indicates a critical timeline for international negotiations.
Iran is only a few days away from the ability to rich uranium in the happy world for the development of the plutonial nuclear bomb.
military_presence
divided into two now-to-one, nine-to-one and three-to-one frigates units
American army's division near Iran
This division indicates a complex military strategy in response to Iranian threats.
The American army, which is currently on the close-up of the city, has been divided into two now-to-one, nine-to-one and three-to-one frigates.
political_support
91, 17% of the votes were taken to the leader's position
Support for Friedrich Merz within the CDU
This level of support reflects a significant shift in German political dynamics.
In the last few months, 91, 17% of the votes were taken to the leader's position in the last big Democratic party in Europe.
support
25%
public support for the Sedevans
This low support indicates potential challenges for the party in upcoming elections.
only 25% of the German in this period of time supports the Sedevans.
blockades
250 cases
number of barricades reported
This indicates the scale of unrest and disruption following the operation.
the military action was given more than 250 cases of barricades in the state.
Key entities
Timeline highlights
00:00–05:00
Ukraine is in its fifth year of conflict with Russia, with neither side able to secure a decisive victory. Political dynamics in Europe are shifting, particularly in Germany and France, as tensions rise and support for far-right movements increases.
- Ukraine has entered its fifth year of fighting against Russian aggression, with no side currently strong enough to achieve a decisive victory
- The ongoing conflict has led to significant discussions about the future of Ukraine, including the potential for a new trilateral system involving military cooperation
- Germanys political landscape is shifting, with Friedrich Merz aiming to lead the country through turbulent times as the CDU gains support ahead of elections
- The recent death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque has intensified political tensions in France. Support for the far-right is rising ahead of upcoming local elections
- Violence has surged in several Mexican states following the death of drug lord El Mencho. This highlights the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime
- British police have arrested former Prince Andrew and former ambassador Peter Mandelson due to their connections with Jeffrey Epstein. This has raised public scrutiny
05:00–10:00
Support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia has not been provided, and Ukraine has proposed a new plan regarding Russian NAVTA. The ongoing conflict has highlighted weaknesses in recognizing early signs of escalation, which have been evident since 2014.
- Support for the 20th package of sanctions against Russia has not been provided. Ukraine has proposed a new plan regarding Russian NAVTA
- Vladimir Putin has indicated that Ukraine is preparing for potential sabotage of Russian NAVTA. This includes threats to nuclear power facilities
- The situation in Russia is complicated by a need to reduce mobilization. Public sentiment and information flow are tightly controlled
- The West is expected to maintain sanctions against Russia. However, some countries continue to buy and use Russian NAVTA and gas
- Concerns have been raised about the effectiveness of U.S. sanctions. Some believe these sanctions have not been adequately enforced
- Volodymyr Zelenskys leadership is viewed as crucial in navigating the current geopolitical landscape. This is particularly important for securing European support for Ukraine
10:00–15:00
Trump's policy remains unfulfilled, raising concerns about the US government's influence on Europe and other nations. Diplomatic negotiations with Iran are ongoing, focusing on uranium enrichment and missile programs amidst a significant military presence.
- Trumps policy has not been fulfilled, raising questions about the US governments influence on Europe and other nations. The need for a successful agreement before achieving victory is emphasized
- The situation regarding arms and military presence is critical. Discussions focus on the US needing to unwind its traditional military style, particularly in the context of European and Canadian relations
- Diplomatic negotiations with Iran are ongoing, with Trump mentioning the potential for a solution. The country is surrounded by a significant military presence, complicating the situation further
- Irans nuclear program remains a concern, with claims that it is close to developing capabilities for a plutonium nuclear bomb. The focus is on finding diplomatic solutions rather than resorting to military action
- Negotiations are expected to address Irans uranium enrichment and missile program. The aim is to create a framework that allows for medical use of uranium while preventing military escalation
- The geopolitical landscape is shifting, highlighting the need for creative diplomatic approaches. These discussions reflect a broader struggle for influence in a rapidly changing world
15:00–20:00
President Trump is facing significant challenges regarding the Iranian nuclear program and military presence in the region, with the American army divided and stationed near Iran. Friedrich Merz is gaining support within the CDU, potentially signaling a shift in Germany's political landscape during a critical election year.
- President Trump faces significant challenges regarding the Iranian nuclear program and military presence in the region. The American army is currently divided, with various frigates stationed near the Iranian border
- Irans military capabilities pose a significant threat to American forces, particularly with the presence of ballistic missiles. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has established a decentralized structure that complicates military responses
- Friedrich Merz aims to lead Germany through turbulent geopolitical changes as he gains support within the CDU. His leadership could signal a shift in Germanys political and economic landscape during a critical election year
- The recent Congress of the CDU demonstrated strong support for Merz, reflecting a desire for reform and optimism. His approach may influence Germanys role in addressing global crises and military challenges
- Irans political and military systems are deeply entrenched, making regime change difficult. The country has built extensive ties with various factions, complicating international relations and regional stability
- The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with ongoing tensions affecting European security. The Sedevans have aligned with the Ukrainian nation, emphasizing the need for solidarity against external threats
20:00–25:00
Friedrich Merz's leadership candidacy has raised concerns about the party's future success in upcoming elections, particularly in light of the political legacy of former chancellor Angela Merkel. The political climate in Germany is further complicated by rising tensions in France and the influence of far-right parties following recent events.
- Friedrich Merzs candidacy for leadership has been marked by achievements, but concerns remain about the partys success in upcoming elections
- There is fear among party members that failure in the elections could lead to a significant setback for their future
- The political landscape in Germany is complicated by the legacy of a former chancellor, with many questioning the partys viability under current conditions
- Recent events in France, including the death of activist Quentin Deranque, have intensified political tensions and raised questions about the far-rights growing influence
- The aftermath of Deranques death has led to arrests and a surge in support for far-right parties, complicating the political climate ahead of local elections
- The French government faces scrutiny over its handling of protests and the rising violence associated with political activism
25:00–30:00
The political landscape in France is currently influenced by the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, which has led to increased tensions and discussions about electoral integrity. Concurrently, the situation in Mexico has escalated following the death of drug lord El Mencho, highlighting ongoing struggles with organized crime and international collaboration in combating it.
- French politics are currently shaken by the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque, who was attacked during a protest against leftist MEP Rima Hassan. Seven young men have been arrested in connection with the incident, including two associates of parliamentary deputy Raphael Arnaud
- The rise of the far-right in France is evident, as recent polls indicate that they are gaining more trust from voters compared to other political factions. Local elections are approaching next month, followed by presidential elections next year, which could further impact the political landscape
- The recent violence in Mexico has escalated following the death of drug lord El Mencho during a military operation. His death has triggered a wave of violence across several Mexican states, highlighting the ongoing struggles with drug cartels in the region
- The Mexican Ministry of Defense reported that key information leading to El Menchos death was provided by the United States. This collaboration underscores the international dimensions of the fight against drug trafficking and organized crime
- In France, the political climate is tense as the upcoming local elections approach. Issues of xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism are coming to the forefront, sparking discussions about the integrity of the electoral process and the safety of candidates
- The situation in Ukraine remains precarious as the country enters its fifth year of conflict with Russia. The balance of power is still uncertain, with neither side able to secure a decisive advantage, raising questions about the prospects for peace