Russia launches attack on Ukraine with Putin warning others not to interfere

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis slams Russian invasion of Ukraine which ‘tests international law’

Greek Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis slammed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday morning, saying it “tests the limits” of international law.

“As a matter of principle, Greece respects the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all countries. It therefore unequivocally condemns revisionist actions that run counter to these values,” he said at the start of an emergency meeting of the country’s top decision-making body on foreign affairs and defense matters, KYSEA, to discuss Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, while lamenting “the brutal violence from which, unfortunately, many innocent people will lose their lives.”

Greece will coordinate with the European Union and NATO for a response that will be “proportional to the unprecedented Russian provocation.”

Mitsotakis also noted Greece’s concern about the ethnic Greeks who live mostly in the area of ​​Mariupol.

“Russia’s attack on Ukraine forces the world community to face its responsibilities. Because in the Ukrainian crisis many things are being tested: The limits of international law, the validity of the Treaties but also the very right of states to live freely,” he said. “The world community has the opportunity to resist the power of weapons and the questioning of borders and international treaties.”

These developments further highlight the need for “a substantial European strategic autonomy,” he added.

Greek Foreign Ministry: The attack on Ukraine is a blatant violation of international law

The Foreign Ministry unequivocally condemns the attack on Ukraine, stressing that it is a clear violation of international law and global values. It also undermines and undermines European peace and security.

As the Foreign Ministry emphasizes, the protection of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all states is a fundamental principle for Greece and we condemn over time any violation of these basic principles provided by the United Nations Charter.

Greek Foreign Ministry: We call on the Russian side to immediately end hostilities

The ministry calls on the Russian side to immediately end hostilities “We call on the Russian side to immediately end hostilities, which, in addition to their other serious consequences, endanger the lives of civilians, including the Greek community living in Ukraine. We express solidarity with Ukraine. “We will continue to stand by the Greek community in Ukraine in these difficult times,” the ministry said in a statement.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs points out that it is in constant coordination with our European partners and NATO allies regarding the response to the violation of International Law.

“The Greek authorities in Ukraine (Embassy in Kiev, Consulates General in Mariupol and Odessa) are in constant contact with Greek citizens and holders of Special Expatriate Identity Cards in order to provide them with any possible assistance,” it concluded.

European Union says it will hold the Kremlin accountable for attack on Ukraine

The European Union will hold Moscow accountable for the “unjustified” attack on Ukraine, the chief of the bloc’s Executive Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said on Thursday.

“In these dark hours, our thoughts are with Ukraine and the innocent women, men and children as they face this unprovoked attack and fear for their lives,” she said on Twitter.

“We will hold the Kremlin accountable,”, von der Leyen added.

European leaders will discuss a further sanctions package on Russia at an emergency meeting later on Thursday, the EU said in a statement.

“(European Commission) President (Ursula) von der Leyen will outline a further sanctions package being finalised by the European Commission and which the Council will swiftly adopt,” the statement said.

These “further restrictive measures…  Will impose massive and severe consequences on Russia for its action”, it added.