Croatia has been shaken by reports that one of its Air Force pilots and his partner were arrested for alleged espionage linked to peacekeeping missions in Kosovo. The case, widely covered by domestic media, has raised concerns about national security, military operations, and relations between neighboring countries.
Allegations of Leaking Peacekeeping Secrets
Authorities detained the pilot, identified only by his initials, and his partner, a woman from northern Kosovo, on the Dalmatian island of Vis. They claim the pair shared classified military information over a period of three years.
The Croatian public and officials are now waiting for answers as the case continues to unfold.
Prosecutors say they have gathered enough evidence to charge the pilot and his partner with espionage. The claims suggest that the pilot, who served in the international KFOR peacekeeping mission in Kosovo, leaked sensitive details between 2022 and 2025.
The alleged information included the movement of peacekeeping units. It also covered their positions in northern Kosovo and activity in the Serb-majority town of Zubin Potok. Investigators believe the pilot’s partner later gave this information to authorities in Belgrade.
Reports say the woman was first held at a reception center in southern Croatia after an expulsion order. Later, she was formally charged with espionage. Officials believe she was the link who passed the classified details across the border.
The pilot, however, denies any wrongdoing. He has reportedly claimed that the case against him is a setup and insists his partner is simply a “collateral victim” of a wider plot.
Colleagues of the accused pilot have described him as a model professional who passed all standard security clearances required for his role in the Air Force.
Rising Political and Security Tensions
The alleged espionage case comes at a time when tensions between Croatia and Serbia are already high. Both countries, once part of the former Yugoslavia, have faced diplomatic strains in recent months.
Croatia, which is a member of both NATO and the European Union, signed a declaration on security cooperation with Kosovo and Albania earlier this year. However, Serbia sharply criticized the agreement. According to its leadership, the pact could lead to an “arms race” in the region.
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In response, Croatian officials said their country would not allow Belgrade to dictate its defense policies. The strong words exchanged between the two sides highlighted the fragile balance in regional security affairs.
The arrest of a Croatian pilot accused of giving secrets about Kosovo peacekeeping has increased tensions. Serbian media reported that Serbia is looking for new military partners. Reports also said Serbia held talks with Hungary. These moves make the security situation in the region more complicated.
Officials Call for Answers
Croatian lawmakers and defense officials have described the situation as very serious. Members of the parliamentary committee on national security stated that the allegations must be thoroughly investigated and reviewed in parliament.
Committee members said that the safety of citizens and troops stationed abroad should always be the top priority. They also stressed that the case could affect the reputation and reliability of Croatia’s international missions if not addressed properly.
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The Serbian embassy in Croatia said it has no direct information about the case. Embassy officials explained in a written statement that Croatian authorities did not contact them. They said they only learned about the matter through media reports.
Friends and acquaintances of the woman rejected the claim that she worked for Serbian authorities. They said she had no sympathy for the government in Belgrade.
As the case continues, many people in Croatia and abroad are watching the investigation. For now, the charges are only allegations. Still, the story has already started a debate about loyalty, trust, and security in a region with a long and complex history.
