Greece is demanding an explanation from Ukraine over a maritime drone near Lefkada
Greece has stepped up diplomatic pressure on Ukraine following the detection of a suspicious maritime drone near the island of Lefkada, which, according to Athens, may have been targeting a Russian vessel in the Mediterranean Sea.
This was reported by the publication Ekathimerini.
Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis stated that Athens will not allow the Mediterranean Sea to be turned into a war zone.
Following talks in Athens with Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić Radman, he emphasized:
“Any transformation of the Mediterranean Sea into a theater of military operations will not be tolerated.”
The Greek foreign minister also added:
“Greece will ensure that the Mediterranean Sea remains untouched by military operations and remains a sea of peace, a sea that belongs to its peoples.”
Greece claims that the incident involving a maritime drone near Lefkada highlights the risks of the war spreading beyond the Black Sea.
According to Gerapetritis, Europe is currently facing unprecedented security challenges due to ongoing conflicts in the region.
“The greatest challenge, of course, is preventing the spread of wars that trouble our neighbors,” the minister emphasized.
In recent days, Greek officials have stepped up their demands for Kyiv to provide an official explanation regarding the incident.
Defense Minister Nikos Dendias and government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis have also publicly expressed their concern.
According to Athens, the maritime drone was allegedly launched by Ukraine in Greek territorial waters with the aim of attacking a Russian vessel in the Mediterranean Sea.
The device is currently being examined at facilities in the Skaramagas area near Athens. Greek military officials are analyzing the drone’s systems and data regarding its mission.
Greek officials have preliminarily identified the device as a “Mamai”-type kamikaze maritime drone, which was actively used by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea.
In the first phase, experts focused on removing explosives and detonators. The drone is currently at the base of the Greek Underwater Demolition Command.
The investigation is being conducted by the Greek National Defense General Staff with the participation of coast guard personnel.
The Ukrainian company Uforce, which develops maritime drones, has officially denied any involvement with the device found in the Ionian Sea.
Greece has stated that the maritime drone near Lefkada is of “Ukrainian origin”
A conflict is brewing between Ukraine and Greece over marine drones.
