Mitsotakis: There must be uniform implementation by EU states of sanctions against Russia

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday reportedly repeated his government’s steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and its right to defend itself, addressing fellow leaders at an extraordinary NATO summit in Brussels.

Although the session was held behind closed doors, government sources said the Greek premier detailed the immediate measures taken Athens to support Ukraine, such as weaponry and humanitarian aid, as well as its support of sanctions and the reception of 13,000 Ukrainian war refugees so far.

In terms of sanctions against aggressor Russia, Mitsotakis said they must be implemented uniformly by all NATO members in order to be effective – the latter also being an indirect snipe at neighboring Erdogan-led Turkey.

Mitsotakis also touched on the situation in besieged Mariupol, the capital of a region that hosts a centuries-old and large ethnic Greek community. The Greek PM said the human losses in the Sea of Azov port city were a tragedy not only for Ukraine but also for Greece.

In statements during his arrival at the summit, Mitsotakis told reporters that the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine is something that “we should also prepare for.”

Asked whether the use of such WMD by Russian forces constitute a “red line”, Mitsotakis said:

“I hope that something like this will not happen, but that doesn’t mean that we should not be prepared for this eventuality as well…

What is important is to send a very clear message today that our Alliance is absolutely united on the issue of supporting Ukraine, in the struggle for its existence. I also believe it is very important that many member-states of the European Union have understood, as a result of this crisis, that Europe must increase it geopolitical footprint and its defense spending.”

He reminded that Greece has been spending more than 3 percent of its GDP on defense for a number of years.

Asked if sanctions on natural gas are necessary, he replied: “I believe that we should be very cautious in order to ensure that any measure we implement will not become more painful for the European citizens than it is for Russia. I believe that the package of measure we have imposed is strong” he answered, adding that members should utilize Europe’s collective purchasing power in markets in order to get better natgas rates.