Croatian President Zoran Milanovic on Monday criticized Western countries for supplying Ukraine with heavy tanks and other weapons, saying the arms shipments would only prolong the war, AP reported.

Milanovic told reporters in the Croatian capital that "to believe that Russia can be defeated in a conventional war is insane."

"I am against sending any lethal weapons there," Milanovic said. "It's prolonging the war."

"What is the goal? To disintegrate Russia, to change the government? There is talk of tearing Russia apart. That's crazy," he added.

 "What is the purpose of this war? A war against a nuclear power that is at war in another country? Is there a conventional way to defeat such a country?" Milanovic wondered, "Who pays the price? Europe. America pays the least," he said.

"It's been a year, and we're just now talking about tanks," Milanovic said. "No American tanks will go to Ukraine within a year. Only German tanks will go there."

After months of hesitation, the U.S. said it would send 31 70-ton Abrams battle tanks to Ukraine, and Germany announced it would send 14 Leopard 2 tanks and let other countries do the same.

Milanovic has established a reputation as a supporter of Russia, something he has repeatedly denied. In recent months, however, he has openly opposed Finland's and Sweden's admission to NATO, as well as the training of Ukrainian troops in Croatia as part of EU assistance to Ukraine.