“The idea of ‘constructive cooperation’ between our nations has become obsolete, as Athens has completely dismantled it,” remarked Andrey Maslov, the Russian Ambassador to Greece, during an interview with “Naftemporiki” for the 80th anniversary of World War II’s conclusion.
Maslov noted that “relations between Russia and Greece have been at their lowest in over three years,” following the onset of the war in Ukraine, asserting that “the Greek government has ceased all collaboration with Russia across various sectors… even as imports of Russian natural gas to Greece are on the rise, benefiting from attractive prices and reliable supply.”
However, Maslov did not draw comparisons between the Russian invasion of Ukraine and Turkey’s ongoing military presence in northern Cyprus.
On the subject of international geopolitical developments, he warned that “the West’s refusal to engage in dialogue and recognize shared interests risks escalating into a new conflict involving the entire continent.” Yet, he acknowledged it as “valuable that the current US administration has realized that complex issues can only be resolved through direct dialogue.”
The complete interview with Russian Ambassador Andrey Maslov for “Naftemporiki” follows:
Mr. Ambassador, as Europe commemorates the end of World War II and Russia celebrates “Victory Day,” the war in Ukraine continues to afflict the continent. How far are we from achieving peace in Ukraine?
This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory over German Nazism, significantly contributed to by the Soviet people. We also recognize the support of other nations in the Anti-Hitler alliance. At that time, allies overcame their ideological divisions to defeat the Third Reich, which posed a threat to enslave Europe. Today, due to the collective West’s reluctance for dialogue and understanding, the situation may escalate into another conflict involving the whole continent.
“Russia’s stance on resolving the Ukrainian situation has been articulated multiple times. Achieving lasting peace is unattainable without realizing the objectives of the Special Military Operation outlined by President Vladimir Putin for 2022. The first goal is the demilitarization of Ukraine, ensuring its non-membership in NATO and confirming its neutral status. The second is the de-Nazification of the country, addressing the impacts of the neo-Nazi regime that came to power in the 2014 coup, which has consistently pursued a systematic suppression of everything Russian—its language, media, culture, and traditions.
Additionally, there are several issues to address with Kiev’s Western allies, including the removal of illegal sanctions, invalid lawsuits and arrest warrants, and the return of seized assets and their proceeds.
It is crucial to revisit discussions on guaranteeing Russia’s security against the threats posed by NATO and the EU’s actions on our western borders. The time for serious talks about a Eurasian security system that adequately addresses global peace objectives is now.”
President Putin announced a three-day ceasefire for Victory Day. Why not a 30-day ceasefire, as Ukraine requested?
“Zelensky’s complaints about our proposals highlight Kiev’s unpreparedness for a genuine resolution. Instead of positively responding to Moscow’s initiatives, the Kiev regime has yet again shown its incapacity for negotiation. What is the point of trusting the assurances of Zelensky and his administration when they disregarded both the 30-day moratorium on attacks on energy facilities and the 30-hour Easter truce? Our humanitarian initiatives proposed in 2022 were also unreciprocated.
The refusal to uphold any agreements characterizes the Kiev regime, leading to its current predicament. Since 2014-2015, Kiev has not honored its commitments to the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and, under pressure from its Western backers, abandoned talks with Russia in spring 2022, legally prohibiting all interactions with Moscow.
Mr. Ambassador, former US President Trump has attempted to mediate an end to the war, but with little success. How does Moscow view this initiative?
“It is worth noting that since the Republicans returned to power, the US appears to be adopting a more constructive approach to the Ukrainian crisis compared to the previous administration, which recklessly aggravated tensions and promoted Kiev’s integration into Western structures. It’s important that the current US government recognizes that serious contradictions can only be resolved through direct dialogue. However, any evaluation of initiatives must be based on tangible outcomes.”
Nevertheless, there’s a parallel situation that deeply affects Hellenism and is also relevant to an EU member state, the Republic of Cyprus. Turkey has occupied northern Cyprus for over 50 years.
“Any comparisons between the situations in Ukraine and Cyprus lack substance. The causes are entirely different. The coups in Nicosia in 1974 and in Kiev in 2014, which led to tragic outcomes, were fundamentally distinct in nature. Hence, any parallels are historically or politically unfounded.”
Mr. Ambassador, you have claimed that relations between Russia and Greece are at their lowest. What do you attribute this to?
“Indeed, relations have deteriorated significantly over the past three years. Following the start of the Special Military Operation in Ukraine, the Greek government severed all cooperation with Russia, including in cultural matters. The decades of gains in our bilateral relations were lost in an instant due to the Greek government’s choice.”
Nonetheless, you mentioned that Moscow is open to constructive cooperation with Greece as a non-permanent UN Security Council member…
“The notion of ‘constructive cooperation’ is now a relic of the past, as Athens has completely dismantled it. A fruitful dialogue between two UN Security Council members would be beneficial, yet the rhetoric from Greece’s permanent representative in New York often increases tensions and complicates the potential for cooperation.”
Energy cooperation between Greece and Russia still functions, with Greece relying on Russian natural gas for 40% of its needs…
“The Greek government has long expressed its goal to completely eliminate dependence on Russian natural gas. This stance is routinely reiterated by Greek officials. However, in practice, imports of Russian gas are rising due to attractive pricing and reliability. According to ELSTAT data, Russian gas comprises 54.7% of all Greek natural gas imports.”
Is there any opportunity for restoring trade and economic cooperation if the war in Ukraine concludes?
“Questions about restoring our trade and economic relations are best directed to those who dismantled them.”
One last question, Mr. Ambassador: after about 11 years in Greece, what is your perception of Greek society’s attitude towards Russia?
“If we refer to ‘Greek society’ as civil society rather than the state, then opinion polls may serve as indicators of this sentiment. However, I am unaware of any such polls. I can say that in everyday interactions, Russian citizens—our compatriots, diplomatic staff, and tourists—do not experience negativity from Greeks, nor do they face oppression from Greek authorities.”
The EU’s Irresponsible Position, Masked by Misleading Slogans
Europe supports Ukraine while refusing to acknowledge the occupation of Ukrainian territories and the annexation of Crimea by Russia. Is this demand valid?
“Europe continues to justify its irresponsible stance with slogans that misrepresent the crisis. By incessantly labeling the situation as ‘annexation,’ European leaders overlook that, following the coup in Kiev in 2014, Crimea declared independence and reunited with Russia after a referendum that complied with international norms. Similarly, the right to self-determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter, was exercised by the residents of Donbas and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions in September 2022.
However, the escalation of the conflict spans beyond territorial claims. President Putin has reiterated that Russian military actions are compelled measures aimed at ensuring the safety of our nation and defending Russians facing persecution and terrorism in Ukraine. Europe failed to act against the troubling trends that have persisted since 2014. By early 2022, the collective West, including EU countries, outright rejected discussions about our differing views on essential principles of European security.
For over three years, Brussels has done little to prevent the bloodshed. Instead of engaging in the emerging dialogue, the European Union continues to back Zelensky. They not only provide weapons to Ukraine’s Armed Forces but are also contemplating sending NATO troops while enhancing their military industries.
In an abrupt shift, the long-promoted slogans about the need to “green” the European economy have been replaced with calls for “rearmament” and “preparation for war with Russia.”
Thus, the European Union promotes a narrative that contradicts the principles of peace, foundational to the European process since 1975.
