LAST UPDATE: 18:05
A Russian missile attack occurred dangerously close to the Greek delegation visiting Ukraine, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on Wednesday afternoon. The incident took place as the Greek Prime Minister was about to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Odesa, Ukraine.
As reported by iefimerida.gr, and its correspondent Kostas Onisenko, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, speaking about the event, emphasized the stark reality of the ongoing conflict, stating, “They gave us a tour of the port (…) When we heard some sirens and a little while later when we were going to our cars we heard a big explosion. For us, it is the best reminder that there is a real war going on here. Every day. Which does not only affect the front.”
Initially, Mitsotakis visited the port of the city, where he was welcomed by President Zelensky and briefed on the operation of the grain export corridor through the Black Sea and the Danube. Following this, Mitsotakis had a face-to-face meeting with Zelensky at the Odesa port administration building, followed by talks involving delegations from both countries.
During the discussions, Prime Minister Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine, as well as its commitment to Ukraine’s European and Euro-Atlantic aspirations. Mitsotakis also expressed Greece’s willingness to assist in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, particularly in Odesa, a city of significant historical and cultural importance for Greece.
Discussions also encompassed areas of cooperation, including the energy sector, where Greece plays a crucial role in Europe’s southern supply corridor and is working on enhancing connectivity to meet the needs of the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Following the meetings, the two leaders visited a residential complex that had been struck by an attack days earlier, resulting in the tragic loss of 12 civilians, including five children. They laid flowers at a monument in honor of the victims.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis then visited the museum of the “Filiki Etaireia” (Society of Friends), housed in the old residence of the national benefactor Grigorios Maraslis. He paid tribute to the three founders of the “Filiki Etaireia,” Nikolaos Skoufas, Athanasios Tsakalof, and Emmanouil Xanthos, by laying a wreath at the monument in the museum’s courtyard. Mitsotakis also had the opportunity to meet with members of the Greek Diaspora and expatriates who had gathered to welcome him to the museum.
In his address, Mitsotakis underscored Greece’s solidarity with Ukraine and its commitment to supporting the preservation of Greek heritage in the region. He expressed condolences for the tragic events in Mariupol and reiterated Greece’s dedication to helping Ukraine navigate through these challenging times.
“All of Europe supports Ukraine’s struggle for freedom and independence. And of course Greece cannot be absent from this effort,” added Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The visit, conducted under tight security, aimed to demonstrate Greece’s unwavering support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
Source: ANA-MPA/ Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
Photos: EUROKINISSI
‼️🇺🇦💥 BREAKING Powerful explosion in Odessa, where the Prime Minister of #Greece was supposed to meet with #Zelensky.
🚨 Air raid alarm and an explosion in Odessa.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was supposed to visit the city today to meet with President Zelensky. pic.twitter.com/sp5k9kEZkc
— Maimunka News (@MaimunkaNews) March 6, 2024
