The Minister of Foreign Affairs sent a message on the occasion of one year since the start of the war in Ukraine Nikos Dendias. As Mr. Dendias states, “February 24, 2022 is a sad day for Europe. A very sad day for humanity” and speaks of “illegal action and unjustified invasion of Ukraine”.

“From day one, Greece stands by Ukraine, stands by the Ukrainian people. For us Greeks there was no dilemma. We immediately, unequivocally condemned the invasion. Greece is against revisionism. Greece opposes any attempt to change the borders of any sovereign country,” adds Mr. Dendias, emphasizing that “we stand together with our partners in the European Union. We stand with our NATO allies. We support any resolution at the United Nations condemning this invasion.”

The message of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, in detail:

February 24, 2022. A sad day for Europe. A very sad day for humanity. Exactly one year ago, the world saw something we thought would never happen again on the European continent. Russia launched a full-scale unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Today, we gather to condemn Russia’s illegal actions against the sovereign nation of Ukraine. A flagrant violation of international law. Violation of 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 – too much. Thousands have lost their lives. Thousands have been displaced. The country’s infrastructure has been demolished by an invasion that has been repeatedly condemned by the entire international community.

Just a few hours ago, in New York, the United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The resolution, with our firm support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejected any Russian claims to the parts of the country it holds.

From day one, Greece stands by Ukraine, stands by the Ukrainian people. Respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations, respect for international law, rejection of the threat or use of force. These are the fundamental principles of our foreign policy.

For us Greeks there was no dilemma. We immediately, unequivocally condemned the invasion. Greece is against revisionism. Greece opposes any attempt to change the borders of any sovereign country.

We stand with our partners in the European Union. We stand with our NATO allies. We support every resolution at the United Nations condemning this invasion.

Greece has provided Ukraine with aid and assistance. We will continue to do so as long as Ukrainians defend themselves against Russian aggression.

We will 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.

When this war is over, any solution should be based on the fundamental principles of international law enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.

Among other horrible things that happen, innocent civilians pay the price of this aggression. The war must be stopped before more lives are lost, before more damage is done.

We owe this to Ukraine and its brave people. We owe this to the rules-based international order. We owe this to humanity. We owe this to future generations.

Thanks