“Bombrdment” of protests from Moscow to Athens
A “rain” of protest letters and verbal statements from Moscow to Athens has been recorded in recent weeks, as part of the general Russian policy of exerting pressure on Greece’s stance on the Ukrainian issue.
“Bombing” of protests from Moscow to Athens
Extremely sharp words are used in the verbal statement sent to the Foreign Ministry regarding the Athens-Berlin agreement on armor, while it is noted that after the war Russia will examine the attitude of all those involved in strengthening the Ukrainians, including Greece.

By Vassilis Nedos

Moscow is exerting constant diplomatic pressure through all possible channels towards Athens, mainly on the occasion of statements and moves related to what is perceived in the Kremlin as an organized “anti-Russian” front, linked to the war in Ukraine. One of the most advanced – through many – verbal communications that arrived through a diplomatic channel at the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defense concerns the Athens-Berlin agreement for the sending of BMP-1 armored combat vehicles of the Greek Army to Ukraine, in exchange for . According to well-informed sources, the Russian statement uses very sharp wording, while it is noted that Moscow will prevail in the war in Ukraine and the data will change. In addition, it is stated that after the war Russia will examine the attitude of all those involved in strengthening the Ukrainians, including Greece. And this process, as it is emphasized, will lead to the adjustment of Russia’s attitude towards Greece.

Mr. Pillipson
A Russian official has accused Athens of “a clear path to the destruction of long-standing bilateral relations”.
The perception that exists in Moscow about Greece is also reflected in the words of Yuri Pilipson, director of the Fourth European Department of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in an interview given to the TASS agency, where he accused Athens of “clear path to the destruction of perennials.” relations with Moscow “. Mr Pillipson said, among other things, that “the Greek authorities were among the first to send weapons to Ukraine, which the Ukrainian armed forces use daily against civilians in Donbas.” He estimated that “new traditions are already being discussed in the Kiev regime of the military equipment that Greece has”.

The Russian diplomat also stressed that Greece pursues a policy of distancing itself from the Russian energy market and that it “cancels” cultural and humanitarian interactions. And this, as he underlines, “despite the fact that, according to opinion polls, 56% of Greeks would like to maintain traditional ties with Russia.” He also referred to the deportation of the twelve diplomats from the Russian embassy in Athens and the consulate general in Thessaloniki, as he said, “under false pretenses”. Mr. Pillipson also pointed out that the collapse of cooperation between the two countries is one way, however, as he added, “the age-old ties that connect the peoples of Russia and Greece will undoubtedly withstand the test.”

Mr. Pillipson’s disgust over the deportation of the 12 diplomats has preoccupied Athens, as two and a half months have passed and Moscow’s retaliation has not yet been announced. Of course, Athens knows very well that Moscow never makes hot decisions on these issues. The renewal – a few days ago – of the diplomatic licenses of several diplomats serving in the various missions of Greece to Russia by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs raises some questions, although retaliation is expected.