“Greek-Turkish relations do not require mediation,” said MP for Serres and Secretary for International Relations & the EU of New Democracy, Tasos Hatzivasileiou, speaking on ERT’s program Syndeseis, when asked about recent statements by the U.S. ambassador to Turkey.

Speaking about the latest developments in Ukraine, Hatzivasileiou said that “Putin does not seem, for the time being, willing to see the war end.” Analyzing the Kremlin’s position, he explained that the recent European initiative in Geneva particularly annoyed Moscow. Europe mobilized, changing the initial framework and putting a new discussion agenda on the table—something that provoked the Kremlin’s reaction. “Putin is trying in vain to convince Trump that Europe is supposedly responsible for this war,” he said, noting that the Kremlin is investing in the West’s division in order to secure maximum benefit from the eventual outcome.

He added that the Russian President is attempting to appear “ready for de-escalation,” but “all this is just talk,” as there are no real signs that Russia intends to make a meaningful concession. “Ukraine must choose between a bad and a very bad scenario,” he said, explaining that accepting loss of territory or reduced sovereignty would create new, dangerous dynamics.

Regarding Europe’s stance, he reiterated that Greece opposes any form of territorial amputation, stressing that border changes through war cannot be legitimized. He also referred to the issue of frozen Russian assets, noting that European countries must find a solution to support Ukraine’s reconstruction. He reminded viewers that he has visited the country three times in 2025, witnessing “the tragic state of infrastructure” and the urgent need for European assistance.

On Greek-Turkish relations, the ND MP made clear that Greece seeks dialogue only within the framework of International Law and regarding the single, well-defined dispute. He reminded that the opposition had spent months accusing the government of “appeasement,” yet events have proven them entirely wrong. “Where are all those people today to acknowledge that Turkey ultimately did not enter SAFE?” he asked, emphasizing that as long as “grey-zone theories and the casus belli remain on the table, Turkey will not receive European defense funds. Ankara chose the casus belli over joining SAFE,” he noted.

He stressed that Athens welcomes any interest from a friendly and allied country such as the U.S., but clarified that a structured dialogue already exists under the framework of International Law.

He also highlighted that the initiative for the Forum of the Five Coastal States in the Eastern Mediterranean is purely Greek — “not inspired by third parties” — and reflects the country’s confidence and leadership role in the region. He noted that Greece “is not afraid of discussion,” but insists on dialogue strictly within International Law and on a security architecture incompatible with a casus belli. “The fact that Greece took the initiative for the forum shows who holds the leadership position in the region and who has confidence in the strength of their legal arguments,” he said.