Greece will provide Ukraine with missiles for the S-300 system on the condition that they are fully replaced, according to Forbes
Ukraine and its allies are trying to reach an agreement with Greece on the transfer of a modernized version of missiles for the S-300 systems; however, Athens is willing to consider this possibility only on the condition that it receives a full replacement.
Ukraine’s air defense continues to face a shortage of missiles for its Patriot systems, prompting Kyiv and its partners to seek alternative means of repelling massive Russian attacks.
Missiles for the Greek S-300 systems could be one possible option, but Athens is in no hurry to agree to their transfer to Ukraine.
Athens’ main condition is a full replacement for the system they might transfer to Ukraine.
Greece explains its position by citing the tense security situation in the region. The S-300s are viewed as a crucial element of the country’s defense and a deterrent against potential threats from Turkey.
That is precisely why Athens fears being left without an adequate air defense system.
The Greek side would like to receive Patriot systems in exchange, but this option currently seems unlikely.
Forbes suggests that Greece’s reluctance to transfer S-300 missiles to Ukraine may be linked to more than just its own security concerns.
One factor cited is the deterioration of relations between Kyiv and Athens following the incident involving a Ukrainian naval drone that was detected in Greek territory near the island of Lefkada.
Another reason may be Greece’s relations with Russia. Athens may fear the Kremlin’s reaction if it transfers strategic air defense systems to Ukraine.
“In addition, Moscow has warned Greece against this, noting that Athens needs its permission to transfer these missile systems to any third party. And Russia is unwilling to allow Ukraine to acquire such strategic systems for entirely obvious reasons,” explains Forbes.
Thus, negotiations regarding the transfer of Greek S-300s to Ukraine remain complicated, and the key obstacle for Athens is the lack of a guaranteed replacement for its own air defense system.
This is reported by Forbes.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has called on Poland to transfer PAC-3 missiles for the Patriot air defense systems to Ukraine. At the same time, Warsaw has not yet made a final decision on transferring these munitions to Kyiv.
Poland’s former defense minister has spoken out against transferring Patriot missiles to Ukraine.
Poland may transfer additional missiles for the Patriot system to Ukraine in the coming days.
