Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday reiterated his government unwavering support towards Ukraine and the country’s defense in the face of an ongoing Russian invasion.
He spoke, via video message, during a summit of heads of states and governments for the Crimea Platform Summit, and in addressing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Mitsotakis’ full statement is as follows:
“Dear President Zelenskyy,
Dear all,
I am very happy to be with you all today, even if virtually, on the eve of the National Day of Ukraine. Eight years have passed since Russia occupied and illegally annexed Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. And tomorrow we mark six months from Russia’s unprovoked invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine. These were not expressions of self-determination; they were textbook violations of basic rules and principles of international law.
The inviolability of borders has been the foundation of post-Helsinki Europe. The occupation of Crimea in 2014 marked the first step; the 24th of February was the next step: a revisionist plan to redraw the borders in Europe. We have earlier similar experience with the Turkish invasion and occupation of a large part of Cyprus in 1974. This wound is still open, after almost 50 years. We know the pain and the cost this brings to a country.
We have all seen the consequences of the Crimea occupation and annexation: human rights violations, in particular towards ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, destruction of critical infrastructure, sharp deterioration of the freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. The Crimea, historically the home of many peoples and cultures, including my own, is now being absorbed by Russian expansionism. And since February, Russia has also used Crimea for its military operations during the full-scale aggression against the territorial integrity of Ukraine.
What lessons should be drawn from 2014? First and foremost, that revisionism and disrespect for basic principles of international law should be stopped from the start. If not, the aggressors are emboldened to pursue their agenda. At the end of the day, next to the heroic Ukrainian citizens whose lives were shattered by the war, our societies also face dire consequences because of the Russian aggression.
Greece has unconditionally stood with Ukraine from the outset, consistent with our long history of standing against authoritarianism; against those who abuse their power to impose their will to their neighbour. We will continue to stand by Ukraine.
As a matter of principle, Greece will not accept the change of borders Russia is trying to impose on Ukraine. Greece will be there, once this war is over, to support the reconstruction of Ukraine and help Kyiv on its European path.
Mr. President, you and your people are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for standing up for those values that are most dear to our peoples and our countries. And my warmest congratulations for tomorrow’s celebration of the National Day of Ukraine.”
Latest News
DBRS Says Greek Banks ‘Shielded’ from ECB Rate Cuts
The agency explains that fund disbursements through the banking sector will help offset pressures anticipated on interest margins beginning in 2025, due to expected rate cuts by the European Central Bank (ECB).
Meta Cuts Facebook and Instagram Subscription Fees by 40%
The social media giant also revealed that it will continue to offer free access to Facebook and Instagram for EU users, provided they agree to see ads based on a limited set of user data.
Skyrocketing Use of Debit, Credit Cards
The total value of the transactions conducted with debit and credit cards in the country in the first half of 2024 rose 2% on the corresponding period of 2023
JP Morgan Revised Greece Outlook to ‘Overweight’
The investment bank notes that Greece is showing the strongest GDP growth in the Eurozone. Additionally, efforts to clear up bank balance sheets are anticipated to yield increased capital returns.
Vardis I. Vardinogiannis, Greek Tycoon and Shipping Magnate, Dies at 91
In 1990, Vardinogiannis was targeted in an attack which involved three rockets fired at his vehicle by the terrorist organization 17 November.
Kudos for Greek Sheep’s Milk Cheeses
Graviera is the Greek version of the Swiss gruyère, and is generally considered the second most popular cheese made in the country after feta
EIB Survey: Greeks Rank Climate Change as Top Concern After Cost of Living
Specifically, 98% of the Greeks surveyed stated that the country must to adapt to climate change, with 60% saying that priority should be given to these adjustment measures
Trump Tells Putin not to Escalate Ukraine War during Phone Convo
Meanwhile, President Joe Biden, is preparing to lobby Trump against abandoning U.S. support for Kyiv
Former Thessaloniki Mayor Yiannis Boutaris Dies at 82
Boutaris entered politics in 2010, serving as the 60th mayor of Thessaloniki for two consecutive terms until 2019, becoming a transformative figure with his progressive policies.
Greece Plans to Link Golden Visa to Startup Investments
The Greek government wants to decouple the Golden Visa Program from Real Estate investments