At the leaders’ meeting organized by Kyiv to mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

The Prime Minister reiterated Greece’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, as expressed from the very first moment of the Russian invasion. At the same time, he said that“it is imperative that we all work to put an end” to the hostilities that have affected many thousands of human lives, and noted that Greece is willing to work with the Europeans and the Americans towards facilitating the achievement of a peace that will last and is not “capitulation.”

Finally, he did not fail to mention Europe’s commitment to strengthening its collective defense. “Greece spends more than 3% of its GDP on defense and the time has come for others to do the same, he said.

The Prime Minister’s entire statement

“Dear Volodymyr, dear colleagues, thank you. Today marks three years since Russia’s unprovoked, violent invasion of Ukraine, a turning point that ended a long period of peace and stability on our continent.

From the very first moment, Greece has steadfastly supported the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. We have been steadfast in our calls for respect for international law and the UN Charter. Greece has stood faithfully by Ukraine. It has provided vital military assistance, as well as support in the energy sector. It has welcomed thousands of refugees who have left the horrors of war behind.

Three years since the invasion began, I believe it is an important opportunity to remember the enormous human cost. So much pain was caused, so much destruction, and the lives of so many were disrupted, and we all must work to bring an end to it. Your sacrifices and the sacrifices of your people, dear Volodymyr, cannot be in vain. And I think it is important that we take a step back and recognize that your resilience and your courage, your courage, have been remarkable.

Ukraine, Europe, and I think the whole world, desperately want a just and viable peace settlement. Ukraine deserves peace forged through strength and a peace that respects its independence but above all preserves its security. At the same time, I believe that there is a common thread running through all our interventions: only Ukraine can, must, and will decide on the acceptance or rejection of any peace formula. No one else, no one else, can make this decision on behalf of Kyiv. It must be ensured that Kyiv is part of the process and only Ukraine has the right to decide its future.

I believe we all agree on two basic principles: that a just peace cannot be confused with an unjust capitulation, nor can a temporary ceasefire be confused with a lasting peace. We need a peace agreement with very clear security guarantees that will act as a deterrent and preventative in the future, strong guarantees, that are effective so that any future aggression is deterred and peace is maintained.

The stakes have never been higher, especially for our European security. We are willing to work with the Europeans, with the Americans, with our international partners, towards facilitating the achievement of a lasting peace. But we in Europe must also strengthen our commitment to our collective European defense.

Greece spends more than 3% of its GDP on defense and the time has come for others to do the same. After three years of war that destroyed on an unbelievable scale, we must support this goal. We must act with greater determination. We must not only end this conflict but ensure that we forge a model for preventing such disasters in the future.

The road ahead will not be easy; it will undoubtedly be challenging. But there is a vision that leads us forward: a future where Ukraine will be a country at peace, a secure, democratic, and independent, but also, dear Volodymyr, a European Ukraine, a nation that can look to the future with optimism and confidence. Thank you.”