Good day.
Let us begin with Ukraine:
Following the receipt of the official findings of the investigation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding the Unmanned Surface Vehicle detected in Lefkada, the Minister of Foreign Affairs took the following steps:
- He informed the EU High Representative of the results of the findings of the investigation.
- He contacted the NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, on this issue
- He raised this issue in person with his Ukrainian counterpart on the sidelines of the Informal Meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers "Gymnich" in Limassol.
- On Thursday, May 28 and Friday, May 29, an official démarche was made in Athens and in Kyiv, both verbally and in writing, in which the following were highlighted:
• The Unmanned Surface Vehicle detected in Greek territorial waters seriously endangered maritime traffic and could have caused the loss of innocent civilian lives. It could also have caused incalculable environmental damage.
• By transferring military operations to the Mediterranean, a long distance from the actual front of the war, our national security is jeopardised and our national economy suffers a decisive blow.
• Ukraine's right to self-defense cannot justify such actions.
• Greece expresses its strong opposition to the illegal presence of the armed Unmanned Surface Vehicle in Greek territorial waters and calls on Ukraine to refrain from similar actions in the future and from the unjustified transfer of military operations to the Mediterranean.
Lebanon
The latest developments have prompted an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council on Monday, June 1, which was requested by Greece, among others.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep concern about the ongoing conflicts within Lebanon. The recent capture of the strategic Beaufort Castle and the surrounding ridge marks a dangerous and unprecedented escalation.
We call for the universal application of International Law, an immediate cessation of hostilities and the renewal of efforts for a sustainable diplomatic settlement. The full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and the strict observance of all ceasefire commitments by all parties remain essential.
We support the continuation of direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington and urge the parties to engage constructively and in good faith, with the aim of a comprehensive ceasefire agreement that can contribute to sustainable peace in the region.
The latest military developments in southern Lebanon risk causing further displacement, exacerbating an already acute humanitarian crisis.
Greece supports the stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon.
It has already organized a national mission of 3 tons of humanitarian aid to Beirut and plans to organize further operations. We are also finalizing the allocation of a significant financial contribution through the World Health Organization, aimed at strengthening Lebanon's health sector, and specifically St. George's Hospital in Beirut.
Greece will continue to support the efforts of President Joseph Aoun and the Government of Lebanon.
We call on all parties to return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue at such a critical moment and to take tangible steps towards de-escalation.
Lebanon deserves a future of peace, security and dignity, and Greece will stand by it in this effort.
We remain in the Middle East.
On Monday, June 8, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will welcome the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Theophilos III, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the context of his visit to Athens.
Discussions will focus on the cooperation between Greece and the Patriarchate, Greece’s practical support for the Patriarchate, and the Christian presence and heritage.
Recently, Greece, in cooperation with the Patriarchate, has been promoting various initiatives in Jerusalem and areas under its jurisdiction, focused on the Patriarchate and the Holy Sites. Greece is committed to continuing to support the Patriarchate. The issue of the Christian presence in Jerusalem and the Middle East has been and remains a matter of key importance for Greece.
Regarding the Informal Meeting of the European Union Foreign Affairs Ministers “Gymnich”, in Limassol, on May 28
The Minister of Foreign Affairs had the opportunity to exchange views with the European Partners and the Foreign Affairs Ministers of India and Saudi Arabia on a number of issues of common interest.
With India and Saudi Arabia, we maintain strategic relations and attach importance to inter-regional cooperation and connectivity, as reflected in the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council relations, EU-India relations, and the IMEC, which can constitute a key axis of stability, development and prosperity.
The discussion focused on developments in the broader Middle East and the impact of war on freedom of navigation, as well as on its consequences, which have already become visible worldwide: in shipping, energy, trade, and supply chains.
We look forward to the continuation of the ceasefire and the prevention of further escalation. We underline the need to support diplomacy as the necessary path to sustainable peace.
Among the issues discussed was the fact that the war in Ukraine, the crisis in Gaza and the war in the broader Middle East make it imperative to promote the debate on security, competitiveness, and enlargement of the European Union.
It is evident that dependence in strategic sectors, such as in defence production, energy and supply chains, can render us vulnerable.
Therefore, the transition to strategic autonomy, while maintaining Europe’s strong geopolitical role in the world, is a necessary requirement.
Enlargement - Western Balkans
Regarding Enlargement, the European integration of the Western Balkans is a strategic priority of the EU.
Greece, as the oldest member of the European Union in the region, remains a firm supporter of the European perspective of the Western Balkans, based on the principles of conditionality and own merits, without any deviation from the obligation to respect the rule of law, International Law and good neighbourly relations.
Regarding the recent incident in Albania,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed in a statement its strong concern about the incidents that occurred on Saturday, May 30, in Zvërnec, Albania, during a protest by residents over their property rights, among whom was a Greek citizen who was injured.
The Embassy of Greece in Tirana took all necessary steps to provide him with all necessary consular and medical assistance, while at the same time making the necessary representations to the Albanian side, requesting full clarification of the incident and accountability. We take note of the Albanian authorities’ initial response on this issue.
However, we underline the need for full respect for the rule of law, including the protection of the rights and properties of members of the Greek National Minority, as well as the importance of effective protection of environmentally protected areas, in the context of alignment with the Europeanacquis, compliance with which is a prerequisite for progress in the accession process.
In the context of the Greek initiative to promote the European perspective of the Western Balkans,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will visit Serbia on June 12 and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro on June 19.
The main objective of the visits is to reaffirm the Greek support for the European path of the Western Balkans and to encourage tangible progress in reforms, as well as to provide expertise in areas of mutual interest, with an emphasis on the progress of the reform efforts and the integration of the European acquis.
On June 10, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, where he will participate in the Summit and the Ministerial Meeting of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). The discussions will focus on strengthening regional connectivity, security and economic cooperation, closer coordination on key issues of common interest in the context of contemporary geopolitical challenges, and the European perspective of the Western Balkans.
Regarding Libya,
Following the visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Tripoli, Libya, on April 27, 2026, and the announcement of the upcoming second round of technical talks on the delimitation of maritime zones between Greece and Libya, a Greek delegation, led by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, will travel to Tripoli on June 10.
Greece's priority is the delimitation of maritime zones with Libya. On April 27, it was agreed upon that Greece and Libya, as states with opposing coasts, are ready to continue talks on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone, based on the International Law of the Sea.
It should be noted that the launch of the technical talks was announced by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Government of National Unity of Libya, Al Taher Salem Al Baour, as well as the first meeting of the technical committees, was held in Athens, in September 2025.
Regarding the Minister of Foreign Affairs' program for tomorrow, Mr. Gerapetritis will welcome tomorrow, June 4, his Panamanian counterpart, Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the context of the visit of the President of Panama, José Raúl Mulino, to Athens.
Greece-Panama relations have shown particularly positive momentum in recent years, especially after the opening of the Embassy of Greece in Panama in December 2023.
Topics to be discussed include the strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, maritime transport, energy and environmental technology.
Our terms of office on the UN Security Council coincide with Panama's, therefore the meeting will address issues of coordination of actions within the framework of the Organization.
Furthermore, as maritime nations, Greece and Panama attach importance to maritime security and safeguarding freedom of navigation.
Regarding the schedule of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, the Deputy Minister will participate on June 15 in the Foreign Affairs Council and on June 16 in the EU General Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
Regarding the schedule of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theoharis Theoharis, on June 5-7, Mr. Theoharis will be in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, where he will have bilateral contacts with representatives of the regional government of Iraqi Kurdistan.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos will visit Berlin and Dresden on June 14-17, where he will have meetings with diaspora organizations.
QUESTIONS
TH. BALODIMAS: Regarding the first issue you raised, namely Ukraine and the démarches that were made, have we received any relevant official or informal response from Kyiv? What exactly happened? Have there been any assurances that such an incident will not be repeated? What further actions will be taken by Athens in practical terms? Will there be any additional surveillance measures, in coordination with the Ministry of National Defense or the Ministry of Maritime Affairs?
L. ZOCHIOU: We are awaiting Kyiv’s official response. As regards any further actions, it obviously does not fall within the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to determine what measures will be taken on the ground. Concerning our position towards Ukraine, we support efforts towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine. In any case, everyone, without exception, must respect International Law, national sovereignty, human life and the marine environment. Greece supports efforts to end hostilities. And, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs has also stated, a war does not end by expanding.
K. MELISSOPOULOS: Melissopoulos from “Vradyni” newspaper and ANA-MPA. First, I would like to ask whether the Ukrainian side has acknowledged that the drone belonged to it. Has it acknowledged “ownership” of the drone? That is my first question.
My second question concerns what happened in Albania and our country’s stance regarding Albania’s EU accession perspective. In light of recent events, as well as Prime Minister Edi Rama’s long-standing attitude towards Hellenism - whether regarding the members of the Greek National Minority in southern Albania or Greece itself, about which we have repeatedly heard him speak in a disparaging, dismissive and ironic manner, including very recently in an interview in which he made remarks that did not receive attention here but were quite derogatory and dismissive. He accused our country of various things. Does Greece’s position remain consistently supportive? Or is there at least a caveat, a reservation, or the possibility of viewing matters from a different perspective?
L. ZOCHIOU: As regards Ukraine, we now have in our possession the official findings of the investigation. Beyond that, we are awaiting the Ukrainian side’s official response.
With regard to Albania, the European integration of the Western Balkans constitutes a strategic choice for the European Union. For Greece, it is a matter of principle. From 2003 to the present day, Greece has assumed a leading role regarding the European perspective of the Western Balkans. The Enlargement process follows an established methodology, and specific conditions must be met: respect for and implementation of the EU acquis, as well as the principle of own merits. Specifically, regarding Albania, its accession path is contingent upon respect for and protection of the rights of the Greek National Minority.
CH. MAZANITIS: Mazanitis from ANT1 and enikos.gr. Regarding the findings of the investigation, has it been established from where the drone was launched and what its final destination was? And as for the fact that it was found near Lefkada, was that because a target was located in the area, or was it simply due to a loss of communication between the operator and the drone?
L. ZOCHIOU: The findings were transmitted to us by the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (HNDGS). Therefore, with regard to their content, I would kindly refer you to the HNDGS. I cannot elaborate further.
CH. MAZANITIS: I would like to insist on this point, because if the drone, for example, was launched from Italy, then Italy is also involved. If it originated from Albania’s maritime area, then Albania is also involved. If it originated exclusively from Greece, then it is solely a Greek matter. So, do we know where was the drone launched from?
L. ZOCHIOU: I repeat, I refer you to the authority that issued the findings report.
CH. MAZANITIS: Yes, but did you not ask for assistance if it was launched from elsewhere? That is what I am asking. If it was launched outside Greece, presumably you would also have sought assistance from the relevant country.
L. ZOCHIOU: I cannot say anything further.
D. KRIKELAS: Good morning. Dimitris Krikelas from flash.gr. There is a front-page report in KATHIMERINI today referring to the postponement by Ankara of the submission of the so-called “blue homeland” bill. I would like a comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Is this something that you take note of? And, if you wish, have there been any moves on Athens’ part to facilate at least this extension or a period of calm over the summer? Thank you.
M. TSILINIKOU: Maria Tsilinikou, from SKAI TV and CNN Greece. And has there been any communication between the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs regarding the bill in question?
L. ZOCHIOU: Let me reiterate that, with regard to the reported Turkish bill, we are still relying solely on media reports. There has not yet been any official statement from the Turkish side on its content. And, of course, as we have already stated, we are prepared for every possible scenario and will act accordingly once we have the official version before us.
There has been no communication between the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs. However, communication channels remain open and active on multiple levels. We remain consistently committed to safeguarding stability and fostering good neighborly relations.
K. TSAMOURI: Katerina Tsamouri from STAR, PARAPOLITIKA and APOGEVMATINI. My question has two parts. First, assuming these media reports are accurate, does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs view this move by Ankara as a de-escalatory step, indicating that it has received the message we conveyed in recent days? Second, is it true that we are planning to establish marine parks in the Eastern Aegean as well? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: As you understand, these are media reports, which we are not in a position to comment on. Moreover, we do not draw conclusions based on media reports. As regards your second question, I would refer you to the competent Ministry, namely the Ministry of the Environment and Energy.
P. MICHOS: Panayiotis Michos from TO MANIFESTO newspaper. Is there any update regarding the question I raised last time about the agreement referred to in a report by another media outlet, not our own?
L. ZOCHIOU: If you are referring to the agreement concerning defense technology, that obviously does not fall within the competence of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. I would refer you to the competent Ministry.
P. MICHOS: So, there was indeed an agreement between Greece and Ukraine during the Ukrainian President’s most recent visit, which was agreed upon by the two leaders but was not made public. This is the agreement on defense technology that you are referring to. Correct?
L. ZOCHIOU: I understand that this is the agreement to which you are referring.
D. KRIKELAS: I would like to ask about Libya. If I understood correctly, on June 10 Ms. Papadopoulou will travel to Tripoli for another round of talks on the delimitation of maritime zones. It has been almost ten months since communication channels with Tripoli were re-established. I would like to ask whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is satisfied with developments thus far. The impression is that, in diplomatic terms, considerable progress has been made rather quickly. More generally, how do you see things moving forward? If possible, could you give us at least a rough indication of the timeline for this process? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Since the summer of 2025, contacts between the Greek and the Libyan side have intensified. We welcome the fact that we have developed a functional relationship with both sides in Libya, namely Tripoli and Benghazi. Within a very short period of time, less than twelve months, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has visited both sides twice. During the same period, a number of Libyan officials have also visited Athens. We remain vigilant. There are issues of concern to us, such as the delimitation of maritime zones and irregular migration.
As regards the latter, we remain on alert. We are in contact with the competent Ministry of Migration and Asylum and, of course, we are working with the Libyan side to prevent the establishment of a new migration route. I am referring specifically to the Tobruk-Crete-Gavdos route.
To sum up, we are satisfied with the progress achieved thus far. We are proceeding step by step and will continue accordingly, while also awaiting the outcome of the visit in June.
P. MICHOS: As you informed us today, the démarches to the Ukrainian side - both oral and written - were made on May 28 and 29. Following the detection of the Ukrainian drone, did the Ambassador of Greece in Kyiv make representations or hold discussions with the Office of the Ukrainian President and with the relevant department of the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, headed by the former Ambassador of Ukraine to Greece, Sergii Shutenko? According to highly reliable information, before the HNDGS findings report had been completed -that is, about two weeks ago- the Ukrainians complained to the Greek Ambassador. They expressed their discontent that Greece had raised the issue at the FAC rather than addressing it directly with them. Therefore, they essentially accepted responsibility. What official response are we still awaiting from Kyiv following the démarches?
L. ZOCHIOU: The key distinction regarding our actions on May 28 and 29 is that, through these démarches, Greece expressed in the most formal manner its protest over the detection of an armed unmanned surface vessel in its territorial waters.
P. MICHOS: Did the Ukrainian side request the return of the drone?
L. ZOCHIOU: I have nothing further to add on this issue.
CH. MAKRI: I would like to ask something - although I was not here from the beginning. Did you refer to a monastery in Zvërnec, Albania, which is reportedly at risk because of this investment project? Do you have any information on this matter? And a second question regarding Libya: has a deadline been set for the completion of the technical talks? In other words, has it been agreed that the process should be concluded within one year, or two? Has any such timetable been established?
L. ZOCHIOU: I will begin with the last point. A timetable for the technical talks with Libya was discussed during the Minister’s visit to Tripoli. However, no deadline for their completion has been set.
As regards the Monastery:
****We are monitoring the situation and remain in contact with the ecclesiastical and other competent authorities. At present, there is no specific issue concerning the Monastery that requires intervention.
TH. BALODIMAS: On a somewhat related issue, perhaps, to Ukraine. At the Posidonia conference, during one of the conferences held there, one of the best-known Greek shipowners, Marinakis, raised the issue of the effectiveness of sanctions on Russian fuel. If I am conveying his remarks correctly, his point was that other major markets, such as China and India, are buying fuel at low prices, while the European Union is left purchasing it at much higher prices. In other words, he questioned the effectiveness of the sanctions. At the political level as well, Dora Bakoyannis, who is also a member of the National Council on Foreign Policy, has argued that, in the spirit of Realpolitik, we should revisit the issue and reopen channels of communication with Moscow. It appears that this is being discussed in various circles. Are we entering a phase of reassessing our approach towards Russia, perhaps with a view to pursuing contacts through the Security Council?
L. ZOCHIOU: If there is any change at EU level, I will inform you accordingly. At the bilateral level, with regard to Greece-Russia relations, I would like to point out that Greece respects and recognizes the historical, cultural, and religious ties that connect it to Russia. The fact that our bilateral relations have deteriorated is due solely to the Russian side, following the war against Ukraine. Naturally, when conditions permit, the restoration of relations will also be pursued.
C. MAZANITIS: It has now been a year since the issue concerning Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai first arose. Do we have any developments? Where do things stand today?
L. ZOCHIOU: On the Monastery on Mount Sinai, a preliminary common understanding has been reached between the Greek and Egyptian sides. It has been submitted to the Holy Sinaitic Brotherhood, which has the final say.
S. RISTOVSKA: Concerning the Minister's visit to the Western Balkans, will he also travel to North Macedonia? Nothing has been mentioned about that.
L. ZOCHIOU: Once the visit is finalized, at a later stage, the relevant announcements will be made.
M. MOURELATOU: I would like to ask about the NATO Summit in Ankara. What preparations are under way and what are Greece's objectives? As I understand it, the Minister will participate in the Summit. Also, do we have any updates regarding the Greece-U.S. Strategic Dialogue? Could it take place before the NATO Summit, or should we expect it sometime during the summer? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the NATO Summit in Ankara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will indeed participate. As for the Strategic Dialogue, there has not yet been any official arrangement regarding its convening here in Athens.
M. MOURELATOU: What is the agenda for NATO, and what are our objectives? What do we expect?
L. ZOCHIOU: It is still too early to comment on the agenda. In any case, this is a Summit, and the relevant briefing will be provided by the competent authorities.
Thank you very much.
June 3, 2026