Both Croatia and Slovenia value their "new found" (1991/2) freedom. In Dubrovnik, Croatia there were AK47 bullet holes in the stone of a 12th century church in the middle of town. (Still hatred of the Serbs there). They won't go back to Communism/Socialism without a fight. I've done Viking cruises on Elbe - Prague to Berlin, Amsterdam to Budapest, and Volga - St Peterburg to Moscow. All citizens share the same feeling. They can't believe the US wants Socialism!
I had a Kiev to Odessa booked for Sep '21 but it was cancelled - guess I'll never get to make that one. These countries are unbelievably beautiful - with a grey boring splash of Stalin's grey cement near windowless apartments. On my list is Budapest to Bucharest with side to Transylvania. (My Viking vouchers are good for only 2 years!)