ATHENS – The Russian invasion of Ukraine on Thursday morning – something which Greece is unequivocally condemns – creates a new state of affairs for the international community, the European Union and the surrounding region, which obviously also affects Greece, government spokesperson Yiannis Oikonomou said at the press briefing on Thursday.

“Russia’s attack on Ukraine, as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the KYSEA meeting, brings the global community, in a dramatic way, face to face with its responsibilities,” Oikonomou noted.

Referring to energy issues in the wake of the latest developments, Economou said that the government is adapting its policies to the new situation as this arises, adding that adequate energy supplies have been secured. He underlined, however, that the energy problem and skyrocketing energy rates are a European problem and a European-wide solution is necessary, something that the prime minister plans to raise at the summit in Brussels on Thursday. “European financing tools are necessary to deal with the increase in energy prices,” he said.

He also underlined that Greece is addressing the situation calmly and with determination and referred to the defence agreement with France and the extension of the defence agreement with the USA, as well as the strengthening of ties with Egypt, Israel and UAE.

Finally, Oikonomou said that the times demand consensus, unity and a focus on the defence of the nation’s interests. “Our country is our home and our compatriots are our family,” he said.

“During periods of wider global instability, only steadiness and seriousness in the interior consolidate security for all. We are following the developments calmly, assessing the situation and adjusting our reactions accordingly. Correct judgement and foresight are the only safe route,” Oikonomou said.