Greece joined the coalition to clear mines in Ukraine

Greece confirmed its participation in the coalition of countries, the creation of which was initiated by Lithuania, to clear mines in Ukraine.

The coalition was created within the framework of the contact group on Ukrainian defense issues (Ramstein format), and it is jointly headed by Lithuania and Iceland. Greece’s participation was announced on March 15, during a visit to Vilnius, by the country’s Defense Minister Nikos Dendias. writes “European truth”.

In his speech, he emphasized Greece’s support for Ukraine, the invasion of which he called “a gross violation of its national sovereignty and international law.” Addressing his Lithuanian colleague Arvydas Anusauskas, Mr. Dendias said:

“And we are pleased to have recently joined the demining coalition under your leadership and signed an agreement in your presence in Brussels.”

Mr. Anusauskas, in turn, thanked Greece for joining:

“We must send a common signal of our unwavering determination to continue to support Ukraine.”

The coalition for demining Ukraine provides for elements of both humanitarian demining of liberated occupied territories and combat demining on the line of contact with Russian troops. In January, the first meeting of coalition partners took place at the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, where representatives of the countries discussed plans and further work. There are a total of 20 countries in the coalition, with the Czech Republic and Hungary among the latest to join.

Lithuania and 20 other countries signed a Protocol of Intent in Brussels to create a coalition for demining Ukraine, reports Lithuanian Ministry of Defense. According to the Minister of National Defense Arvydas Anusauskas, the large number of countries included in the coalition confirms the importance of this coalition. He noted:

“The first important step has been taken, and a lot of work lies ahead. If the situation with the training of soldiers in the field of mine clearance is currently satisfactory, then the need for equipment is critical. As part of the demining coalition, Lithuania will transfer armored personnel carriers to the Ukrainian army and allocate 1.2 million euros into the NATO support program for Ukraine in the field of mine clearance.”

In Brussels also were signed Protocols of intent regarding other coalitions supporting Ukraine. Lithuania has joined the artillery and drone coalition, the country’s defense minister said:

“In the artillery coalition, our first contribution will be 155mm ammunition, and in the unmanned coalition, drones and anti-drone systems. In addition to all this, in the near future we will deliver another batch of winter equipment to Ukraine.”

During Wednesday’s NATO-Ukraine Council meeting in Brussels, he called on allies to help Ukraine integrate into NATO structures and modernize its military capabilities, quoting:

“We can and must maintain NATO’s political and practical support for Ukraine and thereby help the Ukrainian army win the war, and we must agree on further steps towards Ukraine’s membership. In addition, we ourselves must learn the lessons of the Ukrainian war as quickly as possible , continue to strengthen our armies and the entire Alliance.”

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