Greece Formally Commits to No Military Guarantees for Ukraine: Key Messages and Context
In the current geopolitical landscape, Ukraine remains at the center of international attention, with global actors exploring ways to ensure its security and stability.
However, not all countries are prepared to support Ukraine’s aspirations for explicit military guarantees.
Greece is one such country that has publicly clarified its stance regarding providing military assurances to Ukraine.
Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritsis, in a recent interview with the Greek newspaper Real News, stated that Greece does not intend to participate in offering security guarantees in a military capacity.
Nonetheless, he emphasized that Greece continues to support Ukraine diplomatically, assists with humanitarian initiatives, and engages in development programs.
According to the minister, Turkey, with the second-largest army within NATO and its own defense industry, has greater capabilities to partake in such security initiatives.
Gerapetritsis highlighted Greece’s principled stance rooted in international law, considering it morally justified and aligned with national interests.
He also noted Greece’s intention to help Ukraine within its means but without engaging in direct military guarantees, focusing instead on diplomatic and humanitarian support.
In this context, it is notable that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis signed a security cooperation agreement in Brussels, which involves Athens providing additional resources for training Ukrainian pilots and technical staff for F-16 aircraft.
Nonetheless, the durability and reliability of such security guarantees remain open questions, as countries navigate between support and maintaining neutrality in security commitments.