Kouleba: “We are waiting for Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ukraine”

Open invitation to the prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakisin order to travel to Kyiv, addressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.

In an interview with ERTMr. Kuleba said that Ukraine is ready to implement the Istanbul agreements on the export of grain from the three ports of the Odesa region, adding that in the event that these agreements are undermined by Russia, the UN and Turkey – as mediators – they should contribute to the observance of the agreed.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba referred to a number of issues that concern his country as well as bilateral relations with Greece. As he said, the relations between the two states are excellent despite the fact that – as he argued – within Greece there are those forces that attempt to undermine them. He said that he is waiting for the visit of Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Kyivin order for the Greek prime minister to have the opportunity to personally see the consequences of the Russian invasion and to discuss a series of issues that – apart from the war – include issues such as trade, energy and the reconstruction of Mariupol.

Our discussion took place at the beginning of last week and one of the questions we asked was about the rumors about the “cooling of Ukraine-Greece relations”. Mr. Kuleba rejected that there is any such “cooling off” and emphasized that Ukraine puts the issues that concern it “face to face” with other states. The main issue raised by Ukraine in Greece it concerns the transport of Russian oil from Greek-owned tankers. Ukrainian diplomacy understands the separation of the state and private companies, however, the issue is assessed as too important to not comment on it.

“We have no criticisms regarding the Greek government, we see its consistent attitude towards the EU, with the support of the sanctions, for the concession of Ukraine’s candidacy to the EU. And especially for this, against the background of such really good relations, we are very surprised by the attitude of the Greek shipping companies, who are actually helping Russia by having their tankers. All that Russian oil is really mixed with Ukrainian blood. Greek shipping companies help Russia earn money on the international market by transporting its oil, so that this money can then be used for the murders, rapes and destructions carried out by the Russian army on the territory of Ukraine,” said Mr. .Shack.

He called on the foreign companies – including Greek ones – which are still cooperating with Russia to review their attitude as, as he claims, this cooperation not only gives Russia resources to continue the war but is now also unprofitable. He clarified that the relevant note that Ukraine had sent to various countries was informative and not threatening, as presented by some Greek media. “There are serious studies that show that leaving (the Russian market) is beneficial. And of course all our embassies are in contact with such companies – not only in Greece – and they negotiate with them, they explain to them, and many companies listen to our arguments, they understand that doing business in Russia is not right, neither morally nor business as these jobs carry a lot of financial risk. As we do in other countries, we reach out to these companies and to the governments of those countries, and the governments make relevant recommendations to their businesses. But why threaten Greece? Greece is friendly to our country, we have no problems in our bilateral relations. That is why those who try to present the situation as a threat from Ukraine to the government of Greece are actually trying to manipulate – to distort, to present this situation for the benefit of the Russian government and Russian propaganda.”

Continuing with the relations between Ukraine and Greece, Mr. Kouleba stated that in Ukraine they expect the visit of the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and that the agenda of the discussion, apart from the war, also includes other important issues. “We appreciate the support – both political and military – that was given to Ukraine by the Greek government and especially by the Prime Minister of Greece. Of course we are waiting for the Prime Minister of Greece to visit us. I think that many historical issues unite our countries and it would be very natural for the Prime Minister of Greece to visit Ukraine. And in addition to see with his own eyes what the war with Russia is.”

“Undoubtedly, the number one topic of discussion will be the war. Because as long as the war exists, it is a topic that will dominate all our negotiations. And the faster Greece helps us win this war, the faster we will be able to move on to other issues of common interest. Topics we will still discuss are trade – because life does not stop and we have to trade, look for new possibilities for our businesses. It is the energy, because the Hellas it is located in such a southern energy hub, which is now important in terms of diversifying the supply of energy – gas, oil – to Europe. And the issue of reconstruction,” said the head of Ukrainian diplomacy, referring to the devastation suffered by Azov, the base of Ukraine’s Hellenism: “Unfortunately, Mariupol is destroyed. It is the city where the largest Greek community lived. In Odessa there are many disasters. Recently my colleague the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs visited Odessa and saw them.”

Regarding the equipment that Ukraine expects from our country, Mr. Kouleba emphasizes the importance of BMP (armored combat vehicle), which Greece can give to Ukraine after reaching a relevant agreement with Germany. “It is a very important issue for us. We really need BMPs to protect our military during the advance, as many Ukrainian soldiers are killed precisely because there is a shortage of armored vehicles. They are forced to move from one point to another in simple cars, unprotected means of transport, which are pierced by Russian artillery. These BMPs are extremely important for Ukraine. It is unfortunate that this case is progressing so slowly but we understand that there is also Germany’s position. Now some progress is visible and, using this occasion, I want to call on our Greek partners for their part to accelerate this matter to the maximum. Because what for the experts of Greece and Germany is a daily discussion – for the Ukrainians it is loss of people”.

Today (1/8) the transport of Ukrainian food, which has been stranded due to the naval blockade carried out by Russia, began in Odessa. The agreement on the export of grain is very important for Ukraine, Mr. Kuleba told ERT. He emphasized that the role of Turkey and the UN was decisive in reaching the agreements in Istanbul on July 22 and that they are the ones who must supervise in order for Russia to comply with the agreed: “Turkey together with the UN played a very important mediating role in reaching these agreements. Ukraine intends to implement them because – in principle – these agreements do not endanger our security. We have found solutions that secure Odessa by sea, from a Russian attack from the sea. That is why we will prepare the work of the humanitarian corridors, according to the agreements reached. Turkey – which has developed relations with Russia – should work with the UN to ensure that Russia does not violate these agreements. “Ukraine is absolutely interested in ensuring that agricultural products reach international markets and save millions of people from malnutrition and hunger.”

Mr. Kouleba argued that the Ukrainian side is doing everything in its power to maintain good relations with Greece. When there is a problem (what the Ukrainian side considers as a problem) “we’ll see you all openly, face to face”. However, there are those forces within Greece that – according to the Ukrainian Foreign Minister – are working to undermine these good relations, using any pretext they can find, even if it is a lie. “We are on very friendly terms, but again I tell you – where there are problems we will talk openly. I only hope that those political forces in Greece, which seek in every way to cause some cooling or crisis in Ukrainian-Greek relations, will not be successful. Such forces exist, we see them, I hope that the Greek political system will have enough strength not to allow the victory of these forces and the Greek people will not be swayed by the provocations caused by Russia.

In the context of the anti-Ukrainian deliberate provocative actions in Greece, I want to mention that this recent case with the plane flying from Serbia and belonging to a private Ukrainian transport company is now being trafficked in Greece in the light of anti-Ukrainian sentiments. I absolutely and officially want to confirm that the Ukrainian state has nothing to do with this plane and this cargo. This was private commercial transport. Again, I ask the citizens of Greece not to believe those who are trying to damage our relations. In Ukraine, by the way, there are no people trying to harm Ukrainian-Greek relations. While in Greece they exist. And they sound really loud. So please, whenever you hear anything against Ukraine in Greece look at who benefits from it. And only one country, the Russian Federation, benefits from this,” said Mr. Kuleba.

At the end of our discussion the minister was asked the question of when and how the war will end. Mr. Kuleba appeared optimistic but at the same time understood the sacrifices that Ukraine will have to make for victory. “What will be the end of the war? I can answer absolutely clearly, it will be the victory of Ukraine and the liberation of our occupied territories. It will be difficult. A lot will have to be sacrificed, I mean human lives, of our soldiers, the destruction of our economy. But you hear what Russia is saying: It does not recognize Ukraine’s very right to exist. By the way, I believe that the Greeks more than anyone else should understand from their own history what this means, when the neighboring country does not recognize your right to be yourself, does not recognize your right to exist as an independent state. That is why we will walk this path, it is a very difficult path but we will pass it. I can’t tell you when that will happen. I see that Russia continues to think in terms of war, usurpation and an imperial expansion. That’s why I don’t know when we will manage to stop them, but it will definitely happen,” said the minister.

View the news feed and get the latest news.