The Greek government accuses Russia in the UN Security Council of war crimes in Ukraine

Greek government files a complaint against Russia to the UN Security Council for war crimes in Ukraine, doing everything possible to not restore relations with Russia for… many decades.

This absurd position is taken at a time when USA strive to get out of the conflict in Ukraine and restore their relations with Russia. What is the benefit for Greece in supporting Ukraine?

Doesn't she do it herself? Türkiyewhich has Tatars in Crimea and is hostile towards Russians, while the vast majority of Pontian Greeks in Ukraine (and in Russia) support Russia and live in regions that were annexed into the Russian Federation?

In particular, the Greek side accuses Russia of “violations of International Humanitarian Law in relation to Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians detained during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine” at an informal meeting of the UN Security Council convened at the request of UK. Permanent Representative of Greece to the UN Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris expressed “The Greek government's deep concern about the escalating violations of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights.”

In addition, E. Sekeris highly appreciated the work Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights And Independent International Commission of Inquiry “for their in-depth reporting on the deteriorating situation in Ukraine.” Recent reports record, as he noted, “shocking human rights violations by the Russian authorities, including the systematic use of torture against civilians and prisoners of war.”

“The number of human losses has already exceeded 40,000. It is surprising that there are now indications that torture is being carried out systematically and in a coordinated manner by the Russian authorities against civilians and prisoners of war, which can be regarded as a possible crime against humanity.”he added.

Greece as a party Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners of war, as well as Additional Protocol I 1977 “condemns in the strongest terms the inhumane treatment of prisoners of war and political prisoners by the Russian armed forces and the Russian occupation authorities in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.”

E. Sekeris emphasized the importance of ensuring humanitarian access to detainees and called on Russia to fully cooperate with international monitoring and research bodies.

Greece emphasized its active role in supporting humanitarian efforts, mentioning its participation in “Montreal Commitment”adopted in October 2024 during Ministerial Conference on Humanitarian Aspects of Ukraine's Peace Formula. This commitment, as noted by E. Sekeris, is aimed at the return of deported children and prisoners of war.

“We welcome the latest exchange of prisoners of war, which took place on December 30, 2024, through the mediation of the UAE. We call on all parties to continue these positive steps in full compliance with International Humanitarian Law,” he stressed.

E. Sekeris noted “the need for accountability for crimes against humanity and violations of International Humanitarian Law”. Greece supports thorough investigations by international institutions to ensure justice for victims of war crimes, especially prisoners of war and political prisoners. Accountability, he stressed, is necessary to uphold the international legal order and prevent future violations.

The Permanent Representative of Greece reiterated that “The Greek government condemns Russian aggression, which it described as a gross violation of the UN Charter, and stressed that Russia’s actions undermine peace, stability and security in Europe.

Greece reaffirmed its unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, emphasizing Ukraine's right to self-defense as enshrined in Article 51 of the UN Charter. “Greece remains committed to supporting Ukraine for as long as necessary, together with partners and allies,” – said E. Sekeris, according to APE-MPE.

A number of questions are being raised about the government's problematic foreign policy. Mitsotakis. It doesn't make much sense for a government to want to have bad relations with the largest nuclear power on the planet. Completely unreasonable strive for a complete break with a country that has always occupied positive attitude in the Security Council in relation to Greek interests. This may change.

It is completely illogical for Greece to commit to supporting Ukraine to the end (what does this actually mean? To what end?), especially considering that the first world superpower of the United States under President Trumpwho takes office in a few days, plans to get out of the conflict and don’t give Kyiv a single dollar!

Moreover, how can the Greek government biasedly accuse Russia of war crimes when there are thousands of testimonies and videos of crimes committed by Ukrainians against Russian prisoners of war, as well as against Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine?

War is always accompanied by “sins” on both sides. And there is no other way in such fierce wars…

The opinion of the author may not reflect the opinion of the editors.

Source link