Ukraine has informed Greece of its right to attack Russian ships on the high seas, according to Euractiv
Ukraine has confirmed to Greece that it will continue to strike Russian ships on the high seas, citing the right to self-defense guaranteed by Article 51 of the UN Charter. These statements were made following an incident involving a Ukrainian drone detected near one of the Greek islands.
According to sources, during several face-to-face meetings in May, Ukrainian diplomats emphasized that Kyiv’s actions comply with international law and are part of the country’s defense against Russian aggression.
“Kyiv will continue to attack Russian tankers on the high seas in accordance with Article 51 of the UN Charter on self-defense,” the publication quotes the sources as saying.
In addition, the Ukrainian side reminded Athens of the Treaty of Friendship between Ukraine and Greece, signed in 1996, which provides for consultations between the two countries in the event of important issues arising.
Officials in Kyiv noted that, in Ukraine’s view, the Greek side failed to comply with this provision, as the incident involving the drone had already received widespread coverage in the Greek media before any official consultations between the countries took place.
At the same time, according to the publication, Ukraine officially apologized for the incident but emphasized that it was a direct consequence of the full-scale war unleashed by Russia against Ukraine.
The Ukrainian side also emphasized that it continues to act within the bounds of international law, exercising its inalienable right to self-defense.
Earlier, the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it had issued a second diplomatic demarche to Ukraine. The reason was an incident involving a naval drone that was reportedly detected in the Ionian Sea. Athens has expressed concern and is awaiting an explanation regarding the circumstances of the incident.
Greece had previously claimed that a maritime drone near Lefkada was of “Ukrainian origin.”
A conflict is brewing between Ukraine and Greece over naval drones.
