Greece refuses transfer of S-300 or Patriot missiles to Ukraine: Prime Minister reveals reason

Photo: Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of Greece (Getty Images)

Greece refuses to provide Ukrainian defenders with S-300 or Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems. It does not have such systems that could be transferred, according to the Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.

“We support Ukraine and we have surplus defense equipment. But this does not apply to Patriot or S-300,” the Greek Prime Minister said.

He also added that Greece still needs such air defense systems.

At the same time, the Greek Prime Minister emphasized that Ukraine should not lose the war, as it is the defending party.

What preceded it

In late April, journalists spread rumors that Greece might provide Ukraine with a Patriot air defense system. This happened against the backdrop of increased attacks on Ukrainian territory, including ballistic missiles which can only be destroyed by such batteries.

The media suggested that Greece could begin the transfer if the US provided security guarantees against the threat from Turkey.

A few days later, Mitsotakis denied such rumors, stating that his country couldn't start such transfers to Ukraine.

On March 6, the Greek Prime Minister and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy came under Russian shelling in Odesa. The Russian ballistic missile struck near the leaders.