Russia’s foreign minister criticized Greece’s stance on Ukraine, highlighting what officials describe as a persistently poor state of bilateral relations.
Sergey Lavrov used a briefing on Moscow’s foreign policy for 2025 to target Athens over decisions taken since February 2022 to support Kyiv and Ukraine’s armed forces. He cited agreements on co-producing naval drones and Greece’s participation in the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List. Lavrov followed a familiar line of Russian diplomacy by drawing a distinction between the Greek government and Greek citizens.
His remarks, translated and posted by the Russian Embassy in Athens, came after a question about whether Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had said, “we are at war with Russia.”
Athens responded through government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis, who said, “Greece, as an equal member of the EU at all levels, aligns itself with Europe and the right side of history.” He added that Greece “is not doing anything different,” saying support for a country under attack is not negotiable. Greek officials say policy remains anchored in defending international law and condemning revisionism.
Relations with Russia were satisfactory until 2022, according to officials, but since then contacts have been limited. Examples include exchanges at the UN Security Council, where Greece has served as a nonpermanent member since January 1, 2025, lasting through December 31, 2026.
Lavrov said that after 2022, “an entire spectrum of Russian-Greek cooperation collapsed,” accusing Athens of “aggressive anti-Russian statements” and “unfounded Russophobic accusations.”