Greece drawn into Russia’s wrath over military assistance to Ukraine
Greek support for Ukraine since the Russian aggression has been quite robust and this has annoyed Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Odesa a few weeks ago. The tensions were underlined by a Russian missile that exploded precisely 400 meters from the place where they were during the visit.
Some experts think that the missile strike is a warning to Greece. Konstantinos Filis an international relations analyst observed that Russia’s intention was to send a message to both Greece and factions within the country that supports Russia. Although, before the war in Ukraine, 70% of Greeks had favorable view of Russia, it has now reduced to 30% recently.
Greece has been actively supporting Ukraine with everything, including weapons and equipment. Soon after the start of the war, Greece provided Ukraine with rifles, ammunition, and grenades. Greece has also provided 20,000 155mm artillery shells, stinger missiles, Soviet BMP-1 armored personnel carriers.
Russia has accused Greece of aggressive actions and stated that such weapons can one day turn on civilians, such as Greeks in Ukraine. Nevertheless, Greece remains involved in helping Ukraine, and even discussed the shipment of transformers necessary for the restoration of energy in Odesa, severely affected by Russian shelling.
That is why Greece plays a crucial role in supplying military equipment to Ukraine as a result of its geographical position. The port of Alexandroupolis which has direct railway connections with Ukraine has emerged as a transit hub for weapons supply. This importance has increased especially after Turkey shut the Bosphorus Strait for military use.
The Greek government is in the process of discussing a defense cooperation treaty for a decade with Ukraine and the main topic will be excess defense equipment. Greece is also mulling over supplying older models of equipment such as F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, possibly in barter with the US.
As it was expected, there is no united opinion of Greek people regarding the military assistance to Ukraine. About a third of Greeks are against a higher contribution to the defense budget for Ukraine and supplying more weapons. However, it is crucial to remember that Greek’s own security and its ongoing disagreements with Turkey motivate Athens to support Ukraine.
In conclusion, Greece as a member of NATO has continued supporting Ukraine’s military, and therefore, has upset Moscow’s balance of interests, and this shows how relations between countries are complicated.
