Tied to Russia for centuries, modern Greece struggles to pick 'right side' in Ukraine war

When Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took floor in parliament debate on Ukraine this month, re was no doubt which side his government was taking in conflict. “You are eir with peace and international law or against m," he clarified to lawmakers. His choice became more evident as his Centre-right ministration sent two C-130 planes carrying military equipment to Poland border to be supplied to Ukrainian troops. In dendum, Ans also sent tons of humanitarian succour to bolster country’s resistance against invers.

While Mitosotakis announced that he was on right side of history, choice was not that clear for a majority of his compatriots who still hold Russophile views. Both Greece and Russia have been tied toger for deces with ex-Soviet State protecting Hellenic Republic from regional rival Turkey. ir history dates back to 19th century when Russia joined forces with UK and France to aid Greece in naval battle of Navarino. While war was far from over, victory proved to be a cornerstone in Greece’s independence movement.

Apart from history,  both countries have an overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian population and unbreakable cultural ties. Anor factor is shared mistrust towards west which multiplied manifold as Mediterranean country continued sinking in financial debt. Notably, re are Greeks, a small number of m, who believe that Putin is a ‘great leer.’

Speaking to VOA news Nikos Marantzidis, professor of Balkan, Slavic and Oriental Studies at University of Macedonia said, “Greek public opinion has a Russophile dimension, friendly feelings linked to history, a common culture based on Orthodoxy and for some, mistrust towards West."

Changing Narrative

However, narrative has changed in recent weeks. In February, an airstrike near now besieged city of Mariupol led to 10 Greek casualties while leaving six ors critically injured. While Kremlin pinned blame on Ukrainian troops, Russia-Greek relationship was versely affected. It is worth noting that  slain Greeks belonged to a historic community of over 100,000 that h been residing in Ukraine since 18th century.

Earlier this week, Russian Embassy in Ans expressed concern about "threats and insults" towards its nationals in Greece and called on police to investigate. It later said that Greek politicians and media should "come to ir senses" and should stop parroting "anti-Russian propaganda." ir statement has not been left without retaliation. Replying to Russian embassy, Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that no one h capability of "sowing dissent" amongst Greeks.

Image: AP