PM: Greece supports Ukraine’s fight for freedom - visit turns into thriller after Russian attack, possibly with missile
“My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Greece, a NATO member and a traditional ally to Ukraine’s bid to join the military alliance and the European Union, has offered military help to the country.
“We discussed what other means we can use to expand the security space in the Black Sea. How we can add protection to our people – both military and civilian. We need more air defense,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy said Greece would participate in a peace formula summit in Switzerland.
Greek government sources said Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s intention to contribute to the reconstruction of Odesa, whose historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in January 2023, while he met with representatives of the Greek diaspora. At the same time, he said Greece will continue to support Ukraine within the framework of the country’s capabilities and without weakening Greek defense.
The two leaders visited a residential building – the site of Russian drone attack on Saturday, that killed 12 people, including five children.
The sound of a large explosion reverberated around the Ukrainian port of Odesa as Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis ended their tour of the war-ravaged southern city Wednesday.
The Greek prime minister said the delegations were getting into their vehicles when they heard the blast, which he called a “vivid reminder” that Odesa is gripped by the war with Russia. It is one thing to hear about the war and “quite another to experience war firsthand,” Mitsotakis said.
Zelenskyy said the explosion caused an unknown number of dead and wounded. “You see who we’re dealing with, they don’t care where to hit,” he told reporters.
Russian officials made no immediate comment.
Mitsotakis’ unannounced visit to Ukraine takes place before his trip to Romania for a two-day conference of the European People’s Party (EPP). [Reuters/AP/Kathimerini]
In breaking news,
The visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Ukraine on Wednesday had all the makings of a Hollywood thriller, as an explosion from a Russian attack on Odesa, probably with missiles, occurred less than 200 meters from where he stood with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who were at the port at that time.
According to estimates, the attack was aimed at Zelenskyy and, as the analysis of existing evidence suggests, Moscow was probably also aware of the presence of the Greek prime minister there.
Moscow confirmed the attack, but claims that it targeted a warehouse where naval drones are manufactured for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Greek delegation led by Mitsotakis was with the Ukrainian delegation on a customary tour of the port. The Greek delegation consisted of Minister of State Stavros Papastavrou, the head of the PM’s diplomatic office Anna Maria Boura, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Alexandra Papadopoulou, foreign affairs advisor Aristotelia Peloni and communications director Kira Kapi.
The attack reportedly took place at 11.45 a.m. when the two delegations were on a tour of the historic port of Odesa.
“Suddenly there was a piercing siren, a loud noise and then smoke,” a member of the Greek delegation told Kathimerini. The same source said that the tour was ending when the attack occurred, with the Ukrainians and Greeks heading to their cars to go to the site of the joint press conference. The Greek delegation reportedly got into the car, moving at breakneck speed through the streets of Odesa.
Kathimerini understands that the schedule was changed, as was the itinerary, which was deemed necessary for security reasons.
After the joint statements by Mitsotakis and Zelenskyy, the Greek delegation left Ukrainian territory by road and headed on a three-hour journey for Chisinau, Moldova’s airport.
The Greek delegation returned safely to the Romanian capital of Bucharest late Wednesday afternoon.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Charles Michel condemned the attack in messages. Meanwhile, Mitsotakis said Greece will continue to support Ukraine as it fights for its freedom.
“My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side,” Mitsotakis told Zelenskyy in his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Moreover, the US is in constant contact with Greece and Ukraine, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said regarding the Russian attack in Odessa during a visit by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
The US State Department spokesperson was asked a question during the regular press briefing on the US reaction.
More specifically, Matthew Miller said: "We are in constant contact with both of those countries. I don’t have any specific conversations to read out. I think the strike is yet another reminder of how Russia continues to strike Ukraine every single day, and it’s a reminder of Ukraine’s need for air defence interceptors, and it’s a reminder that the United States Congress needs to take action, as we have called on them to do, to support Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression."
