Greek PM on Ukrainian President’s speech: Democratic Athens supports a free Kyiv

“In a catalytic way, President Zelensky conveyed to us the courageous resistance of his fellow citizens to the violation of their most basic rights. On the other hand, he described the barbarity of the invader decimating civilians, dismantling the country’s vital infrastructure. “While in his words resounded the slogan of millions, who are fighting for their lives, their homes, their families, and for the dreams they shared for a future of peace and progress,” said the Prime Minister regarding Zelensky’s speech in Parliament.

The statement of Kyriakos Mitsotakis for the speech of Volodymyr Zelensky in the Parliament is detailed:

“Today’s sitting of the Greek Parliament was, indeed, historic. Because, for the first time in the 21st century, it hosted the leader of a people who are fighting for their homeland. And, at the same time, defends the rule of law and democracy throughout Europe. The voice of the wounded Ukrainians standing up. Besieged, but free!

In a catalytic way, President Zelensky conveyed to us the courageous resistance of his fellow citizens to the violation of their most basic rights. On the other hand, he described the barbarity of the invader decimating civilians, dismantling the country’s vital infrastructure. While in his words resounded the slogan of millions, who fight for their lives, their homes, their families, and their shared for a future of peace and progress.

We also heard his touching call for help and support. To which we respond. Today in the dark, but also tomorrow under a starry sky. When we will be present in the reconstruction of the martyred Mariupol. Not only because the protection of the Greek community there is a national duty. But also because the battle of Ukraine concerns us. The despotism that encroaches on neighboring territories and the revisionism that abolishes borders must be defeated on the borders of Ukraine.

Hellenism, after all, knows well what attacks and threats mean, living for a long time the mutilation of Cyprus. How, therefore, could Hellenism not resist the massacre in Ukraine, which was not chosen by the civilized world. Against which, however, it chooses to defend itself. And it does. Isolating the occupier and shielding open Democracy from populism that rears its head to bridge the extremes and challenge its steady functioning again.

That is why the Athens of Democracy supports free Kyiv, with its own, parallel struggle, as all the capitals of peace do. In order not to spread the lie of authoritarian propaganda. To explain the reasons for the new economic ordeal caused everywhere by the unjust invasion. And to relieve the citizens with effective measures. But also with truths, so that with unity, endurance and responsibility we can win this bet together.

What Volodymyr Zelensky said today has a wider appeal. Europe is called upon to immediately extinguish the fire of war that the Russian regime ignited in its “heart”. And to face together its consequences in its economies and societies. The heinous crimes that were committed should be punished. And International Law should become the compass of its course again. Greece is walking on this path. Faithful to its history and its principles and consistent with its allies.

Against blood and arbitrariness all hesitation is guilty. Freedom and Democracy is our answer, whatever the question. So we greet the Ukrainians with the lyrics of their national poet Taras Shevchenko: “And you, generous heroes, God does not forget you. “Keep fighting.”