“I want to reaffirm my country’s solidarity with the Ukrainian people, who are currently enduring extensive Russian missile and drone strikes targeting civilians. These attacks, which I stress must always be addressed, egregiously violate international humanitarian law. From the outset, we have emphasized your inherent right to defend yourselves against Russian aggression,” asserted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his address at the 4th Ukraine-Southeast Europe Summit held in Odessa.
Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine, stating that the nation will continue to assist in diplomatic, political, economic, military, and humanitarian capacities, as it has done since the beginning of the conflict.
“We will do everything within our power to help bring an end to this catastrophe and alleviate the suffering in your country,” he remarked, clarifying that the decision to accept or reject any peace proposals rests solely with the Ukrainians.
“You have clearly demonstrated your sincere intentions, in stark contrast to the other side,” he added.
He referred to Odessa as a symbol of the Ukrainian people’s resistance in their struggle for freedom, advocating for immediate and unconditional ceasefire efforts as a foundational step towards achieving a just and lasting peace.
“We will continue to intensify pressure on Russia, support further sanctions, and, as my colleagues have mentioned, we must recognize that this conflict is not merely between Russia and Ukraine. It concerns the global order based on rules and the principle of not rewarding aggressors by accepting settlements that tacitly endorse their aggressive actions,” he explained.
Mitsotakis also highlighted Odessa’s significance for future reconstruction and connectivity projects, envisioning it as a terminus for a major connectivity initiative starting from the port of Alexandroupoli and passing through Varna and Constanta before reaching Odessa.
“This project could be submitted for EU funding and would encompass transportation, railway, electricity, gas pipelines, creating a faster logistical corridor for Ukraine than traditional maritime routes. Moreover, it would signal how your path toward EU membership could profoundly impact the Ukrainian people,” he stated.
In closing, he assured the leaders of the Western Balkans present in Odessa that Greece will steadfastly support the enlargement process and European integration.
Joint press conference
Following the Summit, the leaders convened for a joint press conference. When asked about European defense cooperation and funding programs involving Ukraine and other third countries, the Prime Minister remarked:
“There is a widespread understanding within Europe, particularly in the European Council, that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine represents a significant geopolitical awakening—a call to take charge of our security and a pressing need for increased collective defense spending. I believe it’s not an exaggeration to say that prior to the war, we were on a trajectory towards military irrelevance due to our collective defense spending levels.”
He introduced the EU’s new ReArm initiative, which comprises two components: allowing increased national defense spending without violating fiscal growth constraints, and the SAFE mechanism designed to support investment in European defense while fostering cooperation with candidate countries for EU membership.
Mitsotakis also recognized Ukraine as a vital partner in developing future European security structures and noted the considerable potential Ukraine has shown despite the severe challenges it faces in this conflict.
On the subject of SAFE and potential participant countries, the Prime Minister conveyed a message to Turkey, indicating that any nation seeking access to European funding must align with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy.
“Ultimately, this instrument is intended to safeguard Europe as a whole and contribute to a new European security architecture,” he concluded.
As part of the Summit activities, the Prime Minister engaged in a private discussion with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine and earlier visited Shevchenko Park with other leaders to lay a wreath at the Alley of Heroes.
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