Bosniak Party (BS) MP Edina Dešić highlighted that soldiers from state communities to which Montenegro belonged participated in numerous peacekeeping missions, and Montenegro has continued this practice since gaining independence.

She asserted, “By adopting this decision, Montenegro will reaffirm its credibility as an EU member,” noting that this mission is a continuation of the efforts made “since the onset of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.”

Dešić stated that Montenegro aims to conclude all chapters by the end of next year, with this decision being crucial for finalizing Chapter 31 – Foreign and Security Policy.

Additionally, she commented on the situation in Gaza.

Social Democratic (SD) MP Nikola Zirojević expressed relief that the Chief of General Staff is no longer Zoran Lazarević, extending his gratitude to the former chief.

He remarked, “This decision has been unnecessarily delayed in the Speaker of the Parliament’s drawer for over a year.”

Zirojević conveyed that this decision would send a message that Montenegro is a credible NATO member, hoping for a resolution for lasting peace in Ukraine and Gaza.

“It will be interesting to see if Andrija Mandić represents Brussels and Stockholm or if he prioritizes narrow party interests over Montenegro’s needs,” he noted.

He questioned whether a lack of agreement within the ruling majority would violate their coalition agreement and who would be held accountable for that.

Europe Now Movement (PES) MP Dane Marković stated that, as a candidate country, it is a duty to send soldiers to this mission, which will take place on EU territory.

“Russian officials have declared it unacceptable for any NATO member to operate in Ukraine,” he asserted.

“Mr. General, I wish you a successful mission and hope it is as brief as possible,” he added.

DPS MP Abaz Dizdarević revealed that the decision has been awaiting a vote for “approximately 10 months.”

“Today we are witnessing the worst destruction on European soil since World War II,” he noted.

He emphasized that there is continual mention that soldiers will not be sent to Ukraine, and NATO has never committed to such a move.

As he elaborated, they are fully committed to the Euro-Atlantic perspective and support the mission’s continuation.

“Glory to Ukraine,” he affirmed.

His party colleague Mihailo Anđušić remarked that regular activities with NATO partners are not universally understood.

“These actions are necessary due to Russia’s clear aggression against Ukraine. The Montenegrin public is aware of who has issues with that. It is concerning that we have such views within the ruling majority as a NATO member,” he stated.

He described Montenegro’s decision to join NATO as “visionary” and “historic.”

“We are witnessing unprecedented support from the Montenegrin public for NATO membership,” he remarked.

He asked Krapović how he would respond to the membership decision, considering his party boycotted parliament during the vote for joining the alliance.

“A segment of the parliamentary majority struggles to support this decision—those who once criticized Zdravko Krivokapić for making this decision three years ago,” he concluded.