Greece is maintaining a cautious distance from a proposed European security mechanism for Ukraine, while continuing to engage in high-level political and military discussions, government officials said.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis joined a video call last Saturday with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, key figures in the so-called “coalition of the willing” on Ukraine.

While reaffirming Greece’s support for Ukraine, Athens declined to participate in any new European-led security framework that would replace existing US guarantees.

Although in recent hours the discussion about a possible summit in Istanbul (with the potential surprise participation of Donald Trump) has reignited, Athens is cautiously observing that, so far, aside from the circulation of scenarios for finding a solution, none of the conditions required to begin planning a security mechanism has been met. The three conditions are a ceasefire, the creation of an internationally recognized entity to manage the mechanism, meaning a clear mandate, and finally, the provision of American assurances that hostilities will not resume.

Despite abstaining from the initiative, Greece continues to monitor developments closely, following both political and military-level discussions.

Analysts in Athens express skepticism over the effectiveness of a purely European security mechanism.

They argue that military aid provided since Russia’s February 2022 invasion, while substantial, would not be sufficient to deter renewed hostilities should a potential ceasefire collapse.

The future of Greece-Russia relations also remains uncertain. Tensions have worsened over the past three and a half years, extending beyond state channels, including disputes in Orthodox Christian jurisdictions such as Alexandria and Jerusalem.

Athens is watching for shifts in European defense policy, especially in light of Germany’s leadership change and EU plans for increased defense funding, which may result in greater weapons production for Ukraine.

Greek officials recognize the Ukraine conflict as one of the key global issues likely to shape US foreign policy, alongside potential new negotiations with China and Iran.

Source: Ekathimerini.com