Greece’s Communist Party (KKE) announced on Thursday it would not participate in a special parliamentary session on April 7 where Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to address lawmakers.
In a statement, the KKE announced said it would not attend the meeting, claiming, among other things, that the Ukrainian government had legitimised “Nazi propaganda” and banned the operation of the Communist Party of Ukraine.
“The condemnation of the unacceptable invasion and imperialist war waged by Russia on the territory of Ukraine, and at the same time the solidarity with the people of Ukraine, has nothing to do with any support for President Zelenskyy,” KKE said in the statement.
READ MORE: Ukrainian President set to address Greek Parliament.
“And this particular meeting has just such characteristics, as Zelenskyy is part of the problem, head of a reactionary government, which has been aligned with the US-NATO-EU camp, which is also responsible for the war and the suffering of the people of Ukraine.”
The KKE added that skipping Zelenskyy’s speech is “the greatest sign of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who, in order to be truly victorious, must rid itself of both the Russian invasion and the Zelenskyy-type governments that drag them to the slaughterhouse of imperialist rivalries and wars.”
They said the party would have reacted the same way if the guest speaker was Russian President Vladimir Putin or US President Joe Biden.
READ MORE: Western leaders showcase unity against Russia as NATO adds troops to eastern flank.
Zelenskyy was invited by Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, to speak before Greek Parliament earlier this week. The speech, which is expected to last between 10-15 minutes, will start at 12 pm.
READ MORE: Ukraine’s President thanks Greek FM for offering to lead humanitarian aid mission.
Zelenskyy asks Australia for armoured vehicles and more weapons:
This news comes as Zelenskyy addressed Australian Parliament on Wednesday afternoon and asked for armoured vehicles, the Bushmasters and more weapons.
He also issued a veiled warning that if Russia is not stopped and punished for its invasion, China could take heart and seek to launch its own incursions on its neighbours.
So far, Australia has already sent $91 million in military assistance and $65 million in humanitarian aid to Ukraine since Russian troops invaded last month.
Mr Zelensky said he was grateful for Australia’s support but “this is only the beginning; we can and need to do more.”
In response to his speech, Australia has promised another $25 million in military aid to Ukraine, including drones, tactical decoys and rations, and announced it will apply hefty tariffs to all imports from Russia and its supporter Belarus.
Source: Ekathimerini.
