Greek Prime Minister arrived in Odesa, the Ukrainian port in the Black Sea, on a working trip on March 6, 2024. Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The two leaders discussed how Greece would continue supporting Ukraine, while the reconstruction of Odesa after the end of the War was also a crucial part of the discussions. The city is particularly significant for Greece as “Filiki Etairia”, a secret society that prepared the Greek Independence of 1821, was born there.
The parts prepared the visit carefully and secretly for security reasons. However, a Russian ballistic missile exploded 150 m away from the Greek delegation, killing five people. It was an attempt at the life of Zelenskyy. Russia claimed responsibility for the missile attack, reported AFP.
Interestingly, it is also a warning to the Greek side. A few days before the visit, the spokeswoman of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zakharova, warned Greece to stay away from the War in Ukraine to avoid severe consequences. Russia’s propaganda and disinformation efforts find fertile ground in Greek public opinion. Indeed, several political parties and media are openly pro-Putin or favour a pro-Russian “peace” arrangement in Ukraine.
Greek Prime Minister said the two delegations were getting into their vehicles when they heard the blast. He called it a “vivid reminder” that Odesa was gripped by the War with Russia. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen condemned the “vile attack” during the Greek visit on X, calling it a “new attempt at terror” by Russia.
Defence: A priority
During their meeting, the two leaders focused on the defence issue.
“Of course, the main issue in the talks with the Prime Minister of Greece was our defence, our capabilities in active operations and defence. Air defence is an absolute priority, like in negotiations with other partners. The world has enough air defence systems and capabilities to produce weapons for defence. Weapons are needed here to save lives. Decisions are needed now—not someday, but for the people who endure terrorist attacks every day and night,” noted President Zelenskyy.
“Last night alone, and against Odesa alone, twenty “Shaheds” were launched. This morning, there was another missile attack against the city. There are wounded, there are dead… More protection is needed. Today, I spoke with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis about how we can strengthen our people here in the south of Ukraine. There will be negotiations with other states and leaders as well. We really appreciate every form of assistance,” Zelenskyy said.
Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis inspect the functioning of the “grain corridor”
During their visit to the Odesa Commercial Sea Port, which Russian missiles and drones have repeatedly attacked, the two leaders inspected the functioning of the “grain corridor” in the Black Sea. According to Commander of the Ukrainian Navy Oleksiy Neizhpapa, since July 2023, Russia has used more than 880 kamikaze drones and over 170 missiles against the port infrastructure of Odesa region. The Vice Admiral emphasised that the Ukrainian Defence Forces forced Russian ships to leave the northwestern part of the sea. In addition, thanks to the actions of the Air Force, he said, since December 2023, Russia has suspended remote mining of approach channels to Ukrainian ports from aircraft.
[Credit: Office of President of Ukraine]
Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis were briefed on the functioning of the “grain corridor” created by Ukraine in August 2023 after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Initiative on July 17 last year.
Oleksandr Kubrakov, Deputy Prime Minister for Reconstruction of Ukraine and Minister for Communities, Territories and Infrastructure Development, said that the new corridor has enabled the export of nearly 28 million tons of grain and other goods to at least 38 countries in seven months. Moreover, in December-February, the volume of goods shipped in the ports of Odesa agglomeration increased significantly.
Honouring the memory of the residents killed by the Russian drone strike
[Credit: Office of President of Ukraine]
The President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Greece honoured the memory of Odesa residents killed on March 2 as a result of a Shahed UAV hitting a nine-story residential building. On the night of March 2, another attack by the Russian Federation using kamikaze drones on the city of Odesa destroyed 18 apartments. It damaged 36 apartments in a high-rise building at 134 Dobrovolskoho Avenue, killing 12 people, including five children. Another nine people were injured.
Greece will assist Ukraine in restoring Odesa
The President of Ukraine emphasised that the constant restoration of the Odesa port infrastructure, which is subject to systematic attacks, is a rather challenging task, so strengthening its protection is essential.
The two leaders discussed assistance in restoring civilian infrastructure, including churches, educational institutions, and cultural heritage sites destroyed by Russian attacks.
“The vast majority of Russia’s targets are ordinary civilian facilities. Houses and churches, infrastructure and schools, universities – all of this needs to be restored. And today we talked about this with the Prime Minister. And we invite Greece and Greek companies to the relevant work,” President Zelenskyy said.
Such cooperation will provide both countries new economic and social opportunities and create jobs.
“I would like to thank Greece today for its willingness to participate in the restoration of our cultural heritage, particularly in Odesa, which has such a strong connection with Greek history and culture. We cannot allow Putin’s hatred to destroy all this – our Odesa, our country, our Europe,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasised.
