Zelensky statements
Thanking Mitsotakis for Greece’s contribution to Ukraine’s defence and the support for his country’s Euro-Atlantic integration, Zelensky expresed his satisfaction over Greece’s willingness to train pilots that will fly the F-16s that Kiyv expects from member countries of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC).
Zelensky also described the restoration of security in areas around the Black Sea as crucial, while he insisted that the unimpeded flow of grain through the Black Sea must be firmly established, thanking Greece anew for the valuable contribution of Greek ships to transporting the grain.
This is Zelenski’s first official visit to Greece and the first since Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, a visit outstanding since spring 2021 following an invitation by Mitsotakis. The Ukrainian president, whose visit was announced the day of his arrival for security reasons, will attend an informal dinner in which he will meet for the first time with the leaders of neighboring states, in the presence of EU leaders, in a move that conveys Greece’s strong support for Ukraine and the NATO prospects of the region, as well as Athens’ key role in this respect.
Zelensky’s visit underscores Greece’s key role in the region, government sources said, and in the NATO prospects of the Balkans and the European Neighbourhood Policy countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine).
Greece has joined the G7’s joint declaration of support for Ukraine, which includes the Alliance’s decisions and reconfirms the continuing defense of Ukraine and the economic support for its rebuilding both bilaterally and through the EU and NATO.