“Russia’s attack on Ukraine makes it imperative for the international community to assume its responsibilities, because the Ukrainian crisis is testing the limits of international law, the validity and respect of the Treaties, but also the very right of states to live freely. “, Pointed out, among other things, the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Panagiotopoulosduring his intervention, in his context Extraordinary Council of EU Defense Ministers for developments in Ukrainewhich took place via video conference.
Welcoming her decisionfor the first time, of EU. Mr. Panayotopoulos noted that “developments in Ukraine highlight the need for substantial European strategic autonomy: decision-making autonomy, choice autonomy,” autonomy in action. We must act as a strong and cohesive political player to uphold the values ​​and principles that underpin our democracies, to take greater responsibility for our own security, and to promote international peace with our partners. Now is the time to act together. It is time for the EU Member States. to spend more on defense and I am particularly pleased to note that Member States have stated their intention to increase their defense budgets. ” The Minister of National Defense reiterated that:
– Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in addition to gross violation of international law, undermines the foundations of European security
– Greece condemns Russia’s review of anti-territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of the state and the violence that has cost the lives of many innocent people
– We call on Russia to immediately suspend airstrikes and any action aimed at innocent civilians
– Greece, responding to Ukraine’s request, in consultation with its NATO allies, its partners in the EU, and demonstrating its solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people, provided defense equipment, medical supplies and significant humanitarian assistance,
– He reiterated “our deepest sorrow for the death of Ukrainians fighting for their homeland, while unequivocally condemning the ongoing airstrikes that resulted in the death of many civilians, including ten members of the Greek community in Mariupol.”
Concluding his speech, Mr. Panagiotopoulos commented that: “In a few days, the” Strategic Compass “will be approved, which marks a high level of ambition for our agenda in the field of security and defense. However, it seems that from the very first moment it will be called upon to prove in practice its added value. It is a matter of our credibility, it is a matter of defending the defense and security of our citizens, our states and our Union. This requires determination and collective action. “But if we are to create the right framework to forge our defenses and to actively respond to threats against defense and security against our countries, it is worth it.”
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