With the illumination of the facade of the neoclassical building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias with the colors of the Ukrainian flag, the march of mourning, the observance of a minute of silence for the victims of the war and the playing of the national anthems of Greece and Ukraine, the symbolic ceremony began in the late afternoon as a sign of our country’s support for Ukraine, on the occasion of the one-year anniversary of the beginning of the Russian invasion.

With the illuminated building in the background and framed from his left with the ambassador of Ukraine to Greece Serhii Sutenko and from his right, at the head of diplomatic delegations in Greece, such as the ambassadors of Germany and Great Britain, Nikos Dendias sent a message of solidarity to the Ukrainian people, underlining that Greece has stood by Ukraine from the first day and that the war must stop before more lives are lost.

At the same time, he announced that the fundamental principles of Greek foreign policy are respect for both the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states and International Law, as well as the rejection of the threat or use of force.

“For Greece there was no dilemma, we immediately and unequivocally condemned the invasionhe pointed out clearly.

Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs announced that Greece is against revisionism and opposes any attempt to violate the borders of any sovereign country and stands united with its partners in the European Union and its NATO allies, but also supports every resolution at the United Nations which condemns the invasion.

Furthermore, he emphasized that Greece has provided Ukraine with aid and assistance, underlining that it will continue to do so as long as the Ukrainians defend themselves against the Russian attack. “We continue to support the immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and aggressive actions against Ukraine and its people, including the Greek minority in the country” he noted and underlined that when this war ends, any solution should be based on fundamental principles of International Law and be enshrined in the United Nations Charter. Nikos Dendias began his greeting by pointing out that February 24 is a sad day for Europe and humanity. “Exactly one year ago, the world witnessed something that we believe will never happen again on the European continent. Russia launched a full-scale, unprovoked invasion of Ukraine».

He then referred to the importance of today’s ceremony held on the doorstep of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “Today, we gathered to condemn Russia’s illegal actions against the sovereign state of Ukraine. A clear violation of International Law, a violation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. A threat to world peace and stability. We show our solidarity with the Ukrainian people who have suffered and continue to suffer greatly. Thousands of people have lost their lives. Thousands have been displaced. The country’s infrastructure has been destroyed by an invasion that has been repeatedly condemned by the entire international community».

Finally, he welcomed the UN General Assembly’s resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine, underlining that it reaffirms support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Just a few hours ago in New York, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly adopted a resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution reaffirmed support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He rejected any Russian claim to the parts of the country he owns».