ATHENS – “The Russian invasion in Ukraine continues to shock and mobilise the entire world, to stimulate the unity and determination of Europe in the face of the violation of international law, in the face of authoritarianism and revisionism,” government spokesperson Yiannis Oikonomou said on Thursday during a press briefing.

He spoke of a strong message to the Russian leadership and the practical support of the Ukrainian people in their struggle.

He also referred to the stance adopted by Greece by joining forces with its partners and allies against the invaders and at the side of the Greek expatriates and Ukrainians in their struggle for freedom and democracy.

Oikonomou said that international developments had vindicated the political choices made by the government, which serve the nation’s interests, protecting the homeland and its people.

“Let us not forget that revisionism continues to hurt Cyprus and is lurking in our neighbourhood,” said Oikonomou.

He added that international developments also vindicated the decision to strengthen Greece’s defence and build strong alliances.

“What the crisis in Ukraine has shown is that, first of all, you have to show that you can defend your national sovereignty and your national rights. A strong deterrent capability, the power of the state and the vigour of society are the cornerstones of national independence,” he said.

He noted that Greece is welcoming the first refugees from Ukraine and referred to specific measures that have been taken to facilitate their reception. He added that Greece has increased historical and humanitarian sensitivity to the issue of war refugees.

Assessing the impact on the international economy and the turmoil in the energy market, the government is taking a number of dynamic initiatives, the government spokesperson said, referring in detail to these initiatives.

He spoke of a specific plan for the security and adequacy of the energy supply and added that, so far, more than 2 billion euros have been allocated to support households, businesses and farmers against price increases and that this effort will continue. At the same time, new interventions for the financially weak will be promoted.

Oikonomou also referred to a proposal submitted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and adopted by the European Council for a common European response, given that the problem is pan-European.

He said that emphasis is being placed on protecting and boosting the income of citizens, especially the weakest, and referred in detail to the two bills for even lower Uniform Real Estate Ownership Tax (ENFIA) and the bill to protect the primary residences of the most vulnerable citizens.

“Greece actively supports the law and legality,” he underlined. “We are with the many. We are with those who are right. We are not complacent, we do not relax and we are ready to cope with all possibilities,” he stressed.