Greece refuses to transfer S-300 missile systems to Ukraine

Greece will not transfer S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems purchased from Russia to Ukraine, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said.

Source. This was reported by Pronews.

"There must be a limit to fake news, especially when it is related to the interests of the country and its international image. There is no such thing, and I categorically deny it. Greece did not even intend to risk the country's defence shield," he was quoted as saying.

Greek Minister of National Defence Nikolaos Panayiotopoulos said in an interview with ERT that the United States had repeatedly asked to provide S-300s to Ukraine, but Greece refused to do so, fearing a weakening of the country's defence system. According to him, Greece has already handed over 20 infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine.

Pronews' sources in the Russian government say that "any decision to transfer S-300, Tor-M1 or OSA AK to Ukraine would be a hostile act".

They also state that "such a move by Athens would be a reckless display of hostility towards Russia, as well as a risky step to the detriment of its own national interests. Such a decision by Greece would ignore the international arms trade conventions and relevant bilateral agreements concluded between Greece and Russia".

Background. In January, Washington offered Athens to transfer weapons to Kyiv in exchange for $200 million. Greece agreed to transfer outdated weapons systems to Ukraine after the US State Department allowed the sale of F-35 fighter jets and related equipment to Greece for $8.6bn.