Greece has clearly stated that it will not send air defense systems to Ukraine in order to protect its own air defense capabilities, according to government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, who was commenting on opposition allegations of “secret diplomacy.”
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On Monday, The Financial Times reported that EU and NATO allies are urging Greece and Spain to provide Ukraine with Patriot and S-300 air defense systems because their needs are not as great as Ukraine's. Pressure was also reportedly exerted at the recent EU summit. Marinakis denied this report at a briefing on Monday, but the largest opposition party considered the denial “half-hearted” and accused the authorities of “secret diplomacy.” The opposition demanded an immediate answer on whether the Financial Times' report about pressure on Greece was true, and to provide full information about all the obligations undertaken by Athens.Reportedly, EU and NATO allies are pressuring Greece and Spain to provide Ukraine with air defense systems, as their needs are not as great as Ukraine’s.The Financial Times reported pressure from EU and NATO allies on Greece and Spain to provide Ukraine with air defense systems, as their needs are not as great as Ukraine’s.The opposition considered Marinakis' denial of the Financial Times report to be insincere and accused the authorities of engaging in “secret diplomacy.”The Financial Times reported on Monday that EU and NATO allies are pressuring Greece and Spain to provide Ukraine with Patriot and S-300 air defense systems because their needs are not as great as Ukraine’s.The opposition accused the authorities of engaging in “secret diplomacy” and demanded immediate clarification on the situation.The opposition accused the authorities of engaging in “secret diplomacy” and demanded immediate clarification on the situation.
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“I clearly answered that we will not take any steps that would jeopardize the country’s deterrent potential, the country’s air defense. This was a clear denial on my part. And since I was once again asked to respond to publications, to rumors, to information about assistance to Ukraine at this level, I think there was no room for misinterpretation. However, thank you for giving me the opportunity to repeat this on your radio,” Marinakis said.
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Journalists inquired about reports suggesting that Greece would provide air defense to Ukraine if the United States replaced the Patriot and S-300 missiles with new ones for Greece.
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“I do not have such information. When I answer such questions, I adhere to what the relevant ministries tell me. I can repeat that in no case will actions be taken that will jeopardize the country’s deterrent capabilities, its air defense, and at present the Greek side has no such intention,” Marinakis said.
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When asked if Greece will send air defense systems to Ukraine in exchange for missiles from the United States to avoid compromising its defense capabilities, the government spokesman replied in the negative.
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“No, no, no. I don’t want anything left unclear. The answer is clear. At this time, I simply cannot confirm a message that I am not familiar with, and I don’t know any details about what it says.” “I don’t know anything about this that I could at least minimally confirm,” Marinakis said.
