Explosions hit Odesa as Greece’s PM makes first visit to Ukraine

·


On Wednesday, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared continued support for Ukraine in its quest for freedom following a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Odesa.

In his first visit to the country since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Mitsotakis emphasised Greece’s commitment to stand alongside Ukraine, stating, “My presence here reflects the respect of the entire free world for your people and underlines Greece’s commitment to remain by your side.”

As a NATO member and a staunch ally of Ukraine’s aspirations to join the military alliance and the European Union, Greece has offered military assistance to Ukraine. Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis discussed strategies to enhance security in the Black Sea, focusing on the expansion of the security space. Zelenskyy emphasised the need for additional air defence measures.

Confirming Greece’s participation in a peace formula summit in Switzerland, Zelenskyy also shared Mitsotakis’ commitment to contributing to the reconstruction of Odesa. The city’s historic centre was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in January 2023. Mitsotakis, while meeting with representatives of the Greek diaspora, underscored Greece’s ongoing support for Ukraine within its capabilities and without compromising Greek defence.

During their visit, the two leaders toured a residential building in Odesa, the site of a Russian drone attack that claimed the lives of 12 people, including five children. As the leaders concluded their tour, a large explosion echoed through the war-torn southern city, serving as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict. Mitsotakis characterised the blast as a “vivid reminder” of the war’s impact and emphasised the stark contrast between hearing about the conflict and experiencing it firsthand.

“We heard the sound of sirens and explosions that took place near us. We did not have time to get to a shelter. It is a very intense experience,” Mitsotakis said through a translator.

Zelenskyy noted that the explosion resulted in an unknown number of casualties, expressing frustration with the indiscriminate nature of the attacks. Russian officials made no immediate comment on the incident.

Mitsotakis’ unanticipated visit to Ukraine preceded his scheduled trip to Romania for a two-day conference of the European People’s Party.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Liberal leader Peter Dutton pledges cheaper fuel and fewer bureaucrats in Budget reply

Peter Dutton has promised to cut public service jobs and introduce a national gas reservation scheme if the Coalition wins the election.

Greece rules out sending troops to Ukraine, urges focus on ceasefire

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has reiterated that Greece will not take part in efforts to arm or send troops to Ukraine.

Federal election called for 3 May as Anthony Albanese seeks second term

Australian PM Anthony Albanese has officially called a federal election for 3 May, giving Australians just over five weeks to decide.

Greek Consulate in South Australia hosts Independence Day celebrations

On March 25, the Greek Consulate of South Australia hosted an evening of cultural pride and celebration to mark Greek National Day.

New survey shows more Aussies are turning to Greek cuisine

With rising grocery prices and the simplicity of Greek cooking, many Aussies are experimenting with traditional Greek recipes.

You May Also Like

George Georgiadis’ SA distillery sells to Japanese beverage company

Award-winning McLaren Vale gin company, Never Never Distilling Co, has been bought by Japanese giant, Asahi Beverages for an undisclosed sum.

Eleven missing persons identified on Cyprus in 2024

The Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus identified the remains of 11 people linked to the inter-communal conflicts of 1963-1964 and 1974.

Greek Australian councillors vote in move to change ‘racist’ Moreland council name

Councillors Angelica Panopoulos and Lambros Tapinos voted successfully to rename Moreland Council, while Helen Pavlidis-Mihalakos voted against the motion.