What does this research mean for the field?

Covert operations and paramilitary formations were indispensable in the conflicts in both Croatia and Ukraine, though the level of secrecy and direct evidence of state involvement differs significantly between the two cases. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

This analysis aims to compare covert operations in Croatia and Ukraine, focusing on their paramilitary aspects.

May 13, 2026Open Access

Between Donbas and Knin - Covert Actions and Paramilitary Formations in Croatia and Ukraine

Key Points

This analysis aims to compare covert operations in Croatia and Ukraine, focusing on their paramilitary aspects.
Comparative analysis of covert operations in Croatia and Ukraine
Examination of the relationship between paramilitary formations and state institutions
Assessment of evidence post-conflict in Croatia and indicative conclusions in Donbas.
In Croatia, evidence suggests a systematic relationship between paramilitary groups and state security services.
In Donbas, the lack of clear evidence limits definitive conclusions about the state-paramilitary relationship.
Distinct context and political interests influenced covert actions in both regions.

Abstract

U radu je prikazana komparativna analiza tajnih operacija u Hrvatskoj i Ukrajini s naglaskom na paravojni aspekt djelovanja. Istraživanje pokazuje da su u obama analiziranim slučajevima tajne operacije bile neizostavan faktor u razmatranju svake faze razvoja sukoba i rata. Bitna razlika između analiziranih slučajeva sadržana je u elementu tajnosti koji je posebno izražen u kontekstu odnosa paravojnih formacija i državnih institucija. Takav različit vid djelovanja bio je uvjetovan različitim karakterom, odnosno okolnostima sukoba i rata kao i interesima političkih vođa dok je mogućnost donošenja konkretnijih zaključaka u slučaju Hrvatske uvelike omogućena zbog procesa koji su uslijedili nakon rata. Dok u slučaju Donbasa ne postoje toliko jasni dokazi, odnosno možemo donositi zaključke tek na razini indikativnosti, u slučaju Hrvatske postoji puno više dokaza koji upućuju na sustavan i direktan odnos paravojnih formacija i struktura vlasti bilo da se radi o službama sigurnosti MUP-a SR Srbije ili JNA.

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