Croatian President Zoran Milanovic took a big step toward reelection with a first-round victory on Sunday, strengthening his role as a populist leader who has opposed NATO expansion and condemned military aid to Ukraine.

Croatia’s left-leaning president, who has been critical of Western military support for Ukraine in the war with Russia, is running for reelection this weekend

This is a chalice from which we will all drink together … I extend my hand to everyone … I will do everything for Croatia,” said Milanović in a late-night speech following the first round of the count

The EU says most states will not be affected but other European countries, including Moldova, are facing shortages.

President Zoran Milanovic, known for his outspoken criticism of Western support for Ukraine, is seeking reelection in Croatia. Facing seven opponents, including Dragan Primorac, Milanovic might not secure a majority initially.

Milanović, a former prime minister who is sometimes called the Croatian Trump for his populism, is the most popular politician in the country. The latest polling puts him at 39 percent ahead of the election on Dec. 29. He is followed by Dragan Primorac, the candidate from Plenković’s Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ), who is polling at 24 percent.

During his fis first term Milanović has clashed with Prime Minister Andrej Plenković over foreign and public policy and has fiercely criticised the EU and NATO over their support for Ukraine.

ZAGREB, Croatia -- Croatia’s incumbent President Zoran Milanovic won most of the votes in the first round of a presidential election on Sunday, but must face a runoff against a ruling party ...

Zoran Milanović, a critic of NATO and the European Union, is widely expected to also win the final round in two weeks.

According to exit polls, Croatian President Zoran Milanović has already garnered more than 50% of the vote. As a result, he can win in the first round, reports N1. Today, the first round of the presidential election was held in Croatia.

In Croatia’s presidential election, Zoran Milanovic leads with over 50% votes, signaling a potential first-round victory, as exit polls suggest. Conservative opponent Dragan Primorac trails significantly.