Kouleba: Greece is a friendly country, but some people try to damage bilateral relations
In an interview, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba clarified that the relations between the two states are excellent despite the fact that – as he claimed – there are those forces within Greece that attempt to undermine them. At the same time, he emphasized that he is waiting for the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Kyiv, so that the Greek prime minister has the opportunity to see for himself the consequences of the Russian invasion.
Mr. Kuleba, in his interview with ERT, rejected that there is such a “coldness” and emphasized that Ukraine puts the issues that concern them “face to face” with the other states. The main issue that Ukraine has raised with Greece concerns the transfer of Russian oil from Greek-owned tankers. Ukrainian diplomacy understands the separation of the state and private companies, however, the issue is assessed as too important to not comment on it.
“We have no criticisms regarding the Greek government, we see the continuation of the position in the EU, with the support of the sanctions, for granting Ukraine the candidacy to the EU. And especially for this, with such images of really good relations, we are very surprised by the attitude of the Greek shipping companies, who are actually helping Russia by having their tankers. All that Russian oil is really mixed with Ukrainian blood. The Greek transporters of Russia earn money on the international market, transporting its oil, so that this money then helps with the assassinations, rapes and destructions carried out by the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine,” said Mr. Hut according to ertnews.gr.
He called on the foreign companies – among the Greek ones – which are still cooperating with Russia to review their attitude as, as he argues, this cooperation not only gives Russia resources to continue the war but is now also unprofitable. At the same time, he clarified that the relevant note that Ukraine had sent to various countries was informative and not threatening, as presented by the Greek media.
“There are serious studies that show that leaving (the Russian market) is beneficial. And of course all our embassies are in contact with such companies – not only in Greece – and they negotiate with them, they explain to them, and many companies make our arguments, they understand that doing business in Russia is not right or ethical. business as these jobs carry a lot of financial risk.
As we do in other countries, we reach out to these companies and to the governments of those countries, and the governments make relevant recommendations to their businesses. But why threaten Greece? Greece is friendly to our country, we have no problems in our bilateral relations. That is why those who are trying to present the situation as a threat from Ukraine to the government of Greece are actually trying to manipulate – to distort, to present this situation for the benefit of the Russian government and Russian propaganda.”
“We appreciate that support – both political and military – which was given to Ukraine by the Greek government and especially by the Prime Minister of Greece. Of course we are waiting for the Prime Minister of Greece to implement us. I think that many historical issues unite our countries and it would be very natural for the Prime Minister of Greece to have Ukraine. And in addition to see with his own eyes what the war with Russia is.”
“Undoubtedly, the number one topic of discussion is war. Because as long as the war exists, it is a topic that will dominate all our negotiations. And the sooner Greece helps us win this war, the sooner we can move on to other matters of common interest. The topics we will still discuss are trade – because life does not stop and we need to trade, look for new possibilities for our businesses. It is energy, because Greece is located in such a southern energy hub, which is now important in terms of moving energy supplies – gas, oil – to Europe. And the issue of reconstruction,” said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, referring to the devastation suffered by Azov, the base of Ukraine’s Hellenism: “Unfortunately, Mariupol is destroyed. It is the city where the largest Greek community lived. In Odessa there are many disasters. Recently my colleague the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Odessa and saw them.”
Regarding the equipment that Ukraine expects from our country, Mr. Kouleba emphasizes the importance of BMP (armored combat vehicle), which Greece can give to Ukraine after the approval of the agreement with Germany. “It is a very important issue for us. We really need BMPs to protect our military during the advance, as many Ukrainian soldiers are killed precisely because there is a shortage of armored vehicles. They are forced to move from one point to another in ordinary people, unprotected means of transport, which are pierced by Russian artillery. These BMPs are extremely important for Ukraine. It is unfortunate that this case is progressing so slowly but we understand that there is also Germany’s position. Progress is now visible and, using this as an occasion, I want to call on our Greek partners for their part to accelerate this issue to the maximum. Because what for the experts of Greece and Germany is a daily discussion – for the Ukrainians it is loss of people”.
The agreement on the export of grain is very important for Ukraine, Mr. Kuleba told ERT. He emphasized that the role of Turkey and the UN was decisive for the implementation of the agreements in Istanbul on July 22 and that they must be imposed in order for Russia to comply with the agreed: “Turkey together with the UN played a very important mediating role in their implementation of the agreements. Ukraine intends to implement because – in principle – these agreements do not endanger our security. We have found solutions that secure Odessa by sea, from a Russian attack from the sea. That is why we will prepare the work of the humanitarian corridors, according to the agreements reached. Turkey – which has developed relations with Russia – should work with the UN to ensure that Russia does not violate these agreements. “Ukraine is absolutely interested in ensuring that agricultural products reach international markets and save people from malnutrition and hunger.”
The first cargo of grain left the port of Odessa – Positive reactions
Mr. Kouleba argued that the Ukrainian side is doing everything in its power to maintain good relations with Greece. When there is a problem (what the Ukrainian side considers as a problem) “we’ll see you all openly, face to face”.
“We are on very friendly terms, but again I tell you – where there are problems we talk openly. I only hope that those political forces in Greece, which seek in every way to cause some calm or crisis in Ukrainian-Greek relations, will not be successful. Such forces exist, we see them, I hope that the Greek political system will have enough strength not to allow the victory of these forces and the Greek people will not be presented by the provocations caused by Russia.
In the context of anti-Ukrainian deliberate provocative actions in Greece, I want to mention that this recent case with the plane that flew from Serbia and belonged to a private Ukrainian Greek transport company, is now being handled in the light of anti-Ukrainian sentiments. I absolutely and officially want to confirm that the Ukrainian state has nothing to do with this plane and this cargo. This was private commercial transport. Again, I ask the citizens of Greece not to believe those who are trying to damage our relations. In Ukraine, by the way, there are no people trying to harm Ukrainian-Greek relations. While in Greece they exist. And they sound really loud. So please, whenever you hear anything against Ukraine in Greece look at who benefits from it. And only one country, the Russian Federation, benefits from this,” said Mr. Kuleba.
Regarding now and how the war will end, he appeared optimistic but at the same time understood the sacrifices that Ukraine will have to make for victory. “What will be the end of the war? I can answer absolutely clearly, it will be the victory of Ukraine and the liberation of our occupied territories. It will be difficult. A lot will have to be sacrificed, I mean human lives, of our soldiers, the destruction of our economy. But you hear what Russia: It does not recognize the very right of Ukraine to exist. By the way, I believe that the Greeks more than anyone else should understand from their own history what this means, when the neighboring country does not recognize your right to be yourself, does not recognize your right to exist as an independent state. That is why we will walk this path, it is a very difficult path but we will pass it. I can’t tell you when that will happen. I see that Russia continues to think in terms of war, usurpation and imperial expansion. That’s why I don’t know when we will be able to stop them, but it will definitely happen,” said the minister.