Greece’s support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed in his speech, through a teleconference organized by Kiev, on the occasion of the 3 years from the Russian invasion.

The prime minister noted that Europe wants a sustainable peace settlement and Ukraine is worth a peace that will respect its independence.

“Dear Volodymyr, dear colleagues, thank you. Today it is three years since Russia’s unexpected, violent invasion of Ukraine, a turning point that put an end to a long period of peace and stability on our continent, “Mr Mitsotakis stressed.

“We need a peace deal with very clear security guarantees,” the prime minister said, adding that “the stakes were never more important, especially for our European security.”

He emphasized that Greece spends 3% of its GDP on defense “and it is time for others to do the same. After three years of war that caused a disaster on an incredible scale, we must support this goal. “

The whole intervention of the Prime Minister:

“Dear Volodymyr, dear colleagues, thank you. Today it is three years since Russia’s unexpected, violent invasion of Ukraine, a turning point that put an end to a long period of peace and stability on our continent.

From the first moment, Greece has steadily supported Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We were steadfast in our calls for respect for international law and the map of the United Nations. Greece has stood faithfully on the side of Ukraine. It has provided vital military assistance, as well as support for energy. He has welcomed thousands of refugees who left behind the horror of war.

Three years since the start of the invasion, I believe it is an important opportunity to remember the huge human price. There has been so much pain, so much destruction, the lives of so many have been disturbed, and it is imperative that we all work to end up with an end. Your sacrifices and sacrifices of your people, dear Volodymyr, cannot be in vain. And I think it’s important to take a step back and recognize that your durability and courage, your personal courage, were remarkable.

Ukraine, Europe, I believe the whole world, is eagerly wanting a fair and sustainable peace settlement. Ukraine deserves a peace that will be forged through power and a peace that respects its independence, but will primarily preserve its safety. At the same time, I believe that there is a common component of all our interventions: only Ukraine can, must and will decide to accept or reject any peace formula. No one else, no one, can make this decision on behalf of Kiev. It must be ensured that Kiev is part of the process and only Ukraine has the right to decide on its future.

I believe that we have all agreed on two basic simple principles: that a fair peace cannot be confused with an unfair capitulation, nor a temporary ceasefire of fire can be confused with constant peace. We need a peace agreement with very clear security guarantees that will work deterrent and preventive in the future, guarantees that are strong, which will be effective, so as to prevent any future aggression and to maintain peace.

The stake was never more important, especially for our European security. We are willing to work with the Europeans, the Americans, with our partners internationally, in the direction of facilitating the achievement of a duration of peace. But we in Europe also have to strengthen our commitment to our collective European defense.

Greece spends more than 3% of its GDP on defense and it is time to do the same. After three years of war that caused a destruction on an incredible scale, we must support this goal. We have to act with more determination. We must not only put an end to this conflict, but to ensure that we forge a model to prevent such disasters in the future.

The road in front of us will not be easy, it will undoubtedly be full of challenges. But there is a vision that drives us ahead: a future where Ukraine will be a country in peace, a safe, democratic, independent, but also dear Volodymyr, a European Ukraine, a nation that can gaze at the future with optimism and confidence ‘