K. Mitsotakis: Revisionism and lack of respect for the basic principles of International Law must be stopped from the beginning

A message that revisionism and lack of respect for the basic principles of International Law must be stopped from the beginning, the prime minister issued, addressing the Online Summit of Heads of State and Government for the Crimea International Platform.

“If this is not done, the aggressors are encouraged to advance their agenda. At the end of the day, alongside the heroic Ukrainian citizens whose lives have been destroyed by war, our societies are also facing serious consequences because of the Russian invasion.

Greece has stood unreservedly on Ukraine’s side from the beginning, consistent with its long history of resisting authoritarianism and those who abuse their power to impose their will on their neighbor. We will continue to stand by Ukraine”, noted Mr. Mitsotakis.

“It is a matter of principle for Greece not to accept the border change that Russia is trying to impose on Ukraine. Greece will be there, when this war ends, to support the reconstruction of Ukraine and help Kyiv on its European path “, he emphasized.

The Prime Minister’s entire message is as follows:

It gives me great pleasure to be with you today, albeit digitally, on the eve of Ukraine’s Independence Day. Eight years have passed since Russia illegally occupied and annexed Crimea and the city of Sevastopol. Tomorrow marks six months since Russia’s unprovoked invasion and war of aggression against Ukraine. These were not expressions of self-determination. They were classic violations of basic rules and principles of International Law.

The inviolability of borders is the foundation on which Europe was built after the Helsinki Final Act. The seizure of Crimea in 2014 was the first step, and February 24 was the next: a revisionist plan to redraw Europe’s borders. We had, in the past, a similar experience with the Turkish invasion and occupation of a large part of Cyprus, in 1974. This wound is still open, after almost 50 years. We know the pain and cost this brings to a country.

We have all seen the consequences of the occupation and annexation of Crimea: human rights violations, mainly against Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars, destruction of vital infrastructure, a major deterioration in freedom of navigation in the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Azov. Crimea, historically home to many peoples and cultures, including our own, is now absorbed by Russian expansionism. And since February, Russia has also used Crimea for its military operations during its major offensive against Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

What are the lessons to be learned from 2014? First and foremost, that revisionism and lack of respect for the basic principles of International Law must be stopped from the start. If this is not done, attackers are encouraged to further their agenda. At the end of the day, alongside the heroic Ukrainian citizens whose lives were destroyed by the war, our societies are also facing serious consequences because of the Russian invasion.

Greece has stood unreservedly on Ukraine’s side from the beginning, consistent with its long history of resisting authoritarianism and those who abuse their power to impose their will on their neighbor. We will continue to stand by Ukraine.

It is a matter of principle for Greece not to accept the border change that Russia is trying to impose on Ukraine. Greece will be there, when this war ends, to support the reconstruction of Ukraine and help Kyiv on its European path.

Mr. President, you and your people are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for standing up for these values ​​that are so important to our citizens and countries. My warmest congratulations on tomorrow’s celebration of Ukraine’s Independence Day.