Greece Denies Transfer of F-16s to Ukraine, Pledges Continued Support

In a recent interview with the Rzeczpospolita newspaper, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis categorically denied media reports suggesting the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine.

Amidst escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Mitsotakis reiterated Greece’s steadfast support for Ukraine while underscoring the nation’s commitment to maintaining its own defense capabilities.

Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s historical allegiance to what he termed “the right side of history,” affirming Greece’s unwavering solidarity with Ukraine in its confrontation with the Kremlin.

Despite longstanding cultural and religious ties with Russia, Mitsotakis underscored Greece’s staunch opposition to the current regime in the Kremlin.

“We supported and continue to support Ukraine. We made that decision at the very beginning,” stated Mitsotakis, reaffirming Greece’s stance as a reliable ally in the face of geopolitical challenges.

He pointed out that while Greece has supplied Ukraine with a substantial quantity of 155 mm shells, it remains cautious not to compromise its own national security in the process.

“We have concerns for our own safety,” Mitsotakis stressed, highlighting the delicate balance between supporting Ukraine and safeguarding Greece’s defense capabilities.

He emphasized the need for prudence to ensure that aid to Ukraine does not diminish Greece’s capacity to serve as a robust deterrent against potential threats.

The interview also touched upon a recent incident during Mitsotakis’s visit to Odessa, where a Russian missile detonated in close proximity to the Greek delegation.

Mitsotakis characterized the incident as an “act of intimidation” yet reaffirmed that it would not alter Greece’s position or that of the European Union (EU).

He underscored the EU’s surprising unity in response to Russian aggression, noting that the crisis has propelled discussions on European defense to the forefront of the political agenda.

“When Putin invaded Ukraine, he thought Europe would be divided,” Mitsotakis remarked. “But Europe is surprisingly united.”

The Greek prime minister’s statements underscored the broader geopolitical ramifications of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, emphasizing the imperative for European solidarity and collective security measures.

Mitsotakis’s remarks reflect Greece’s commitment to supporting Ukraine within the framework of EU cohesion and without compromising its own strategic interests.

As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, Greece’s stance serves as a testament to the enduring strength of European solidarity in the face of external threats.

Mitsotakis’s words signal Greece’s unwavering commitment to standing alongside its allies in defense of shared values and principles, even in the midst of geopolitical turbulence.