Greek PM: Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ushered in new ‘cold war’

·

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said on Thursday that Russia’s unexpected invasion of Ukraine represents the “undoing of the regime of peace and security” and has ushered in “a new cold war that no one knows how it will end.”

“We did not want this war; the West, the EU and NATO did not want it. Putin chose it and he will pay the consequences and, unfortunately, the Russian people will pay for them,” Mitsotakis told private broadcaster Alpha TV.

“The sanctions are already bringing the Russian economy to its knees and will hurt the weakest.”

READ MORE: Thousands attend anti-war protest in Athens as Ukraine braces for all-out Russian attack.

Mitsotakis then defended the decision to send military equipment to Ukraine “as morally correct and a national imperative.”

“With what moral standing could we ask for such assistance if we were in a similar situation. We had a reason to be on the right side of history,” he said.

Greek convoy from Mariupol reaches Dnipro:

Turning to refugees, Mitsotakis confirmed a convoy of cars with Ukrainians of Greek descent had already left besieged Mariupol, but stressed “this does not mean that tens of thousands of Ukrainians of Greek descent are not in danger.” 

READ MORE: ‘People are scared’: Ukraine’s Greek communities in agony as war rages on.

Refugees are flooding through Greece’s borders. Photo: Intime News.

“In this matter, Russia has chosen a tactic of violent bombing, which unfortunately will also mean bombing civilians,” the Greek Prime Minister said.

According to Ekathimerini, the operation to evacuate Greek citizens and staff of the Mariupol consulate (Nostos 3) left the besieged city on Wednesday but found itself under fire. It is still unclear where the attack originated from, and whether it was stray fire or deliberate.

The head of the mission, Ambassador Fragiskos Kostellenos, is expected to return to Mariupol after the convoy reaches the border of Moldova. The Consul General Manolis Androulakis has remained in the city.

In the past days, Russian commanders have been intensifying their bombardment of urban areas. Photo: AP / Vadim Ghirda.

The Greek foreign ministry has issued advisories urging Greek citizens to immediately leave Ukraine and to avoid travelling there. 

Roughly 100 refugees arrived on Thursday morning at Greece’s border with Bulgaria in Promachonas as the war in Ukraine intensifies.

According to the Migration and Asylum Ministry, Greece will provide one-year protection status along with rights to work and medical care to Ukrainian refugees entering the country.

READ MORE: World leaders react as Ukraine loses control of Chernobyl to Russian forces.

Source: Ekathimerini.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney unites generations at vibrant Ypapanti Dance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney held its second inter-generational Ypapanti Dance in traditional paniyiri style at the Greek Community Club.

Greek Glendi shines at Canberra’s National Multicultural Festival

Canberra came alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Greece over the weekend as the National Multicultural Festival took place.

Cousins Danielle and Vicki Vlahos battle over $800k loans and fashion label

Two cousins, Danielle and Vicki Vlahos, who founded the $7 million fashion label Portia & Scarlett, are embroiled in a legal battle.

David Catsoulis promotes new $477m mining venture amidst past failures

David Catsoulis, a twice-bankrupt mining promoter, is once again pursuing a new venture, despite past failures.

Sarantis Parissos faces victim impact statements over hit-and-run and police car theft

A female police officer who was dragged along the ground in a horrific hit-and-run has expressed doubts about continuing her career.

You May Also Like

Triumph for Greece over Romania in the Davis Cup 2024

The Greek national team has celebrated its return to World Group 1 of the Davis Cup, following a 4-0 victory over Romania.

Proposal to name Sydney station after Indigenous ANZAC with Cretan ties is rejected

A Greek-led proposal to name a new Metro station at Pitt Street in Sydney after Captain Reginald Saunders has been rejected.

Scott Morrison and Kyriakos Mitsotakis join world leaders in discussing vaccine distribution

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison were joined by six other global leaders last night as part of the ‘first mover’ group that had successfully managed the first wave of the coronavirus.