In unprecedented threats toward our country, Ukrainian media outlet Channel 24, and more specifically analyst Serhiy Gursky, stated on November 3 that «Greece is financially helping the Russian military machine» through oil transportation in the Black Sea, while simultaneously demanding from Athens the transfer of Patriot missiles as compensation for what he describes as «Greek evasion of sanctions against Russia».
And while these Ukrainian threats are framed in the form of an ultimatum toward Athens, Ankara does not escape the crosshairs of Kyiv propagandists either, although as noted, «Turkey has already submitted its own proposals for de-escalation in the Black Sea to Kyiv and Moscow».
In any case, the columnist returns to threats toward Athens, noting that «Greece has the opportunity to back up its words with concrete actions: curb the participation of its shipowners in transporting Russian oil and assist Ukraine with air defense».
As implied, Greece and Turkey will be targeted equally if they continue to maintain trade relations with Russia, particularly in the energy sector.
Greece and Turkey lumped together by the Ukrainians
«Russia does not halt its terror in the Black Sea, destroying civilian ships and driving up tension levels», the propagandistic report of Channel 24tv highlights first.
«Naturally, this cannot remain unnoticed by the international community», it notes, entangling our country alongside Turkey in insidious Ukrainian designs.
«It is no wonder that in recent days Greece and Turkey have become increasingly active talking about navigation safety in the Black Sea», the publication states.
Following attacks on merchant vessels, Athens called for a global maritime ceasefire, while Ankara took a step further, transitioning from statements to diplomatic initiative.
This is because Turkey has already submitted its own proposals for de-escalation in the Black Sea to Kyiv and Moscow.
The initiatives of Erdogan and the Ukrainian asterisk
Following a meeting with President Zelensky in Istanbul on October 31, Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated that Ankara will continue negotiations with the parties to restore navigation safety.
He also confirmed support for the «territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine», calling it a strategic partner.
This is a logical stance for states whose economies depend heavily on maritime commerce.
At the same time, any security arrangements must take into account the «fundamental difference between an aggressor and a defending state», the Ukrainians claim, completely overlooking the eastward expansion of NATO, contrary to every pre-existing international agreement...
Framing hostilities in the Black Sea as a conflict where both sides should take deterrence measures is not entirely correct.
«The reason for this is simple», the Ukrainian outlet stresses, noting that «Russia is the aggressor and it is right to take measures against the Russians; Ukraine has repeatedly stated its readiness for a full ceasefire, but is forced to defend itself, which means it must act in response».
«The Greeks transport one-fifth of Russian oil in the Black Sea»
In this context, it is necessary to assess in specific detail all aspects of the stance of Greece, as it constitutes an exceptional example of a certain contradiction in the sphere of European policy toward Russian oil, argues Serhiy Gursky.
According to the Financial Times in July 2026, Greek shipowners have earned at least 3.8 billion dollars from transporting Russian crude oil since mid-2023.
Greek tankers comprise approximately one-fifth of the so-called shadow fleet of Russia.
According to estimates by maritime analytics firms, approximately 15% of maritime exports of Russian crude was transported by Greek-owned vessels in May 2026.
And in July, Greek operators moved 26.4 million barrels of Russian crude, the highest monthly figure in nearly three years.
«We do not forget that Athens refuses to transfer Patriot missiles, you are sponsors of the Russian military»
These figures demonstrate the scale of economic interests that continue to exist around Russian oil exports.
«While Ukraine, as a victim of aggression, defends itself by attempting to reduce revenues into the Russian budget, private Greek companies, on the contrary, help increase them», the Ukrainian report emphasizes.
Is the position of Greece fully justified?
The question is rhetorical, the article characteristically points out.
«Especially against the backdrop of the simultaneous lack of progress in transferring to Ukraine missiles for the Patriot air defense system, which are at the disposal of the Greek armed forces, while their operational lifespan and resources are reaching an end», it notes pointedly...
«Do not view the Greek position through rose-tinted glasses...»
We must not view the policy of Greece through «rose-tinted glasses», Ukrainian media now state.
«There is an understanding that the simultaneous blockade of all operations for transporting Russian oil is a very optimistic scenario for us», it adds in an overtly ironic tone toward our country.
Europe already has experience with the Greek financial crisis, and would not want to see it repeated...
Insolent demand: Give us Patriot missiles as compensation for Russian oil transport
However, a hypothetical «compensation» for the slow refusal to transport Russian raw materials should be assistance in strengthening the Ukrainian air defense system, the publication explains, lashing out in a threatening tone against Greek authorities.
Instead of calls for peace, it is better to supply missiles, which, among other things, will form the basis for protecting Ukrainian ports and ensuring security in the Black Sea.
The Greeks have real tools to move from words to effective actions for the protection of navigation, the author continues during his harsh critique of the Greek stance.
«Ankara and Athens have their gaze fixed on the Black Sea»
In conclusion, he claims that Greece and Turkey have significant interests in maritime trade, which is why their voice on security issues in the Black Sea is particularly crucial.
Greece, on its part, has the opportunity to support its words with concrete deeds: «curb the involvement of its shipowners in the transportation of Russian oil and help Ukraine with air defense», as he characteristically says.
In turn, Turkey is already utilizing its diplomatic tools, so the task for partners and Kyiv is to support this process and fill it with practical content.
Ankara has every right to protect civilian navigation, investigate incidents, and demand compliance with international maritime law, and «we understand this», the Ukrainian propagandists clarify.
Indeed, Erdogan himself made clear that Ankara calls on all parties to act responsibly.
Brazen call to Greece: Take de-escalation steps now, abandon Russian oil
«The aggressor and the defending state are in different positions, and our dialogue with Turkey allows us to explain this objectively and in a tone of partnership», underlines the Ukrainian analyst.
Furthermore, he calls on Greece «to move from appeals to concrete steps: reduce the participation of its shipowners in Russian oil exports and help reinforce Ukrainian air defense».
Turkey, on its part, has unique opportunities as a mediator because it is trusted by both Kyiv and Moscow, which engages in dialogue with it.
The support of Ankara for the territorial integrity of Ukraine and its readiness to host negotiations on its territory create a genuine opportunity to transition the hot phase of the war into a diplomatic one, concludes Gursky, ending his article.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών