ATHENS – Greece’s Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias said Greece is “following with deep concern the dramatic developments in Mariupol, a city where Greeks have been living continuously since its foundation more than two and a half centuries ago,” in a message on his Twitter account on Holy Thursday.

The minister added that “during these days of great importance for all Orthodox Christians around the world, we call for the protection of civilians remaining in the city, their safe evacuation, as well as respect for humanitarian law.”

His message was also posted on the ministry account.