Official Representative Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lana Zohiu stated that Athens could not help but speak out in defense of Ukrainecommenting on recent statements by the head of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
Speaking at a briefing for journalists, she emphasized that the principle of inviolability of state borders remains a key position of Greek diplomacy.
“Greece could not help but speak out in defense of Ukraine“, Zohiu said, noting that Sergei Lavrov’s comments “are not something new and do not take us by surprise.”
According to her, the relationship between Greece and Russia were at a satisfactory level until 2022, but after the outbreak of the conflict the situation changed.
“Of course, we take into account the responses from the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Greece sought to maintain good relations with the Russian Federation and would like to restore them in the future, when conditions allow“, emphasized the representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Previously Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia stated that Athens’ approach to Moscow has not changed in recent years, and accused the Greek authorities of anti-Russian rhetoric.
The responses from the Russian Foreign Ministry stated: “We continue to hear aggressive anti-Russian statements, baseless accusations against us full of Russophobia. Russia does not allow itself anything like this in relation to Greece“
The Russian Foreign Ministry also recalled that Athens was one of the first to send military aid to Ukraineand indicated the presence Greek diaspora in combat areas.
The Russian department emphasized: “In Athens they didn’t think about them. They didn’t think that their brothers and sisters live there, who have connections with Greece, with their relatives there, who, due to the actions of Athens, have a colossal number of not just problems, but challenges to life and health“
Greece’s position is consistent with the official line European Unionwhich condemned Russia’s actions since the conflict began in February 2022.
In the statement European Commission notes: “On February 24, 2022, Russia began a war of aggression against Ukraine, challenging the aspirations of Ukrainians for a better future and rapprochement with EU“
The document emphasizes that the EU will continue to provide Ukraine with political, financial, military and humanitarian supportas well as maintaining sanctions pressure on Moscow.
Thus, Athens confirms its commitment to the European line, while simultaneously declaring its readiness to restore dialogue with Russia if the international situation changes.
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