Greece’s leader pledges to keep up military support for Ukraine as Zelenskyy visits Athens

ATHENS, Greece — Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis pledged Monday to keep up military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes and to help with post-war reconstruction. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested that might mean Greece could help train his country’s fighter pilots on new Western aircraft, though Greek officials did not comment. In statements following his talks with Zelenskyy, Mitsotakis voiced full support for Kyiv against Russia’s invasion and condemned Russian for “war crimes.” He pledged to “stay on the side of the government and the heroic people” of Ukraine, “however much time may be required.” Mitsotakis also said NATO-member Greece would participate in the “titanic” task of reconstruction in Ukraine when the fighting is over. Zelenskyy and Mitsotakis also signed a joint declaration on Greece supporting Ukraine joining NATO, “when allies agree and conditions are met.” In the evening, Zelenskyy joined an informal dinner organized by Mitsotakis for nine Balkan leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council head Charles Michel. A joint statement issued after the dinner meeting voiced support for a “re-energized and re-focused” EU enlargement process that would lead to the western Balkans, Ukraine and Moldova becoming “full-fledged members of the European family.” Greece has joined its NATO and EU partners in strongly backing Ukraine against the Russian invasion and has provided military assistance in the form of armored personnel carriers and ammunition.