Greece Rejects Sending S-300 Missile Systems to Ukraine, Citing National Security

Greece has firmly dismissed reports of sending its S-300 surface-to-air missile systems to Ukraine, with Greek Government Spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis refuting the claims. Marinakis emphasized that Athens would not compromise its national security by transferring these Russian-made air defense systems to Kiev.

Addressing the issue, Marinakis stated, "We need to rein in this fake news, particularly when it comes to the defense of the country and our image overseas. There are no such plans at all, and I strongly refute such reports. In any case, the government has never intended to put the country's security at risk under its defense policy. That said, these reports are not true in any sense."

A Greek government source previously stated that no decision had been made regarding sending the S-300 systems to Ukraine or replacing them with alternative weaponry.

This development follows a conversation between Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky, in which Greece affirmed its commitment to providing aid to Ukraine within the EU and NATO frameworks.

Moreover, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that Greece consider transferring weapons to Ukraine in exchange for potential F-35 fighter jet sales and additional aid. Nevertheless, experts have noted that the proposed aid may not be sufficient to purchase Western air defense systems comparable to the Russian-made S-300. Last year, Greece had clarified that transferring S-300 systems to Ukraine would weaken its defense capabilities against potential threats, particularly from Turkey.