Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Meeting with Zelensky in Brussels – Raises the Issue of the Sea Drone
The Greek Prime Minister discussed with the Ukrainian President the prospect of defense cooperation between the two countries
18 JUN 2026, 19:51
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky today (18.06.2026) before the start of the European Council summit in Brussels.
According to government sources, during the meeting they discussed the latest developments in Ukraine.
The Prime Minister reiterated Greece's steadfast support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression. He emphasized, however, that the spread of operations beyond the war zone must be avoided and made particular reference to the incident involving a Ukrainian drone in Lefkada.
Finally, the prospect of Greek-Ukrainian defense cooperation was discussed.
As Zelensky wrote in a post about his meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, "I briefed him in detail on the frontline situation and the consequences of Russian attacks against Ukraine" and thanked Greece for all the military aid already provided and for its contribution to the PURL program.
The Prime Minister's statement upon his arrival at the European Council Summit
"Allow me to start with the developments in the Middle East. Greece welcomes the achievement of the agreement between the United States and Iran, as well as any initiative that will contribute to de-escalating tensions in the region. We are always advocates of a diplomatic solution to address such issues. At this moment, the top priority is the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and of course we are watching oil and gas prices very closely. We have already seen a first significant de-escalation, and it is the duty of the Greek state, as I have said, to ensure that the reduction in crude oil prices is immediately translated into a reduction in diesel and gasoline prices at the pump, thus benefiting all Greek consumers. We will also have the opportunity today to have another discussion on the new Multiannual Financial Framework, the budget of the European Union. I have said many times that the ambitious goals we have set require equally ambitious financial tools. Greece, like many other countries, will fight to preserve the core of the two main European financial tools, namely the Cohesion Policy and the Common Agricultural Policy. And of course, at the same time, we will argue why the new Competitiveness Fund, which aims to support European businesses against global competition, must be allocated in a fair way so that it does not contribute to further economic differentiation between strong and weaker economies. Greece expresses its satisfaction that the budget for migration is increased, but will continue to fight to convince our partners that common financial tools are required to address the great challenges regarding defense. Defense is a European common good, and as such it must be treated, and consequently this purpose can be served much better if we can add to national capabilities a significant European financial tool."
