Greece sets condition for sending S-300 missiles to Ukraine — Forbes
Photo: S-300 missiles could further strengthen Ukraine's air defense (facebook.com/kpszsu)
Ukraine and its allies are trying to reach an agreement with Greece on the supply of a modernized version of the S-300 missiles, but Athens is demanding that its condition be met, according to Forbes.
For quite some time now, Ukraine's air defense forces have been unable to fully repel Russia's massive attacks due to a shortage of missiles for the Patriot system. Kyiv is actively seeking alternative options, but obtaining them is also no easy task.
For example, Greece is in no hurry to give up its own S-300 systems at the request of Kyiv and its partners.
Athens states that it will not do so until it receives a full-fledged replacement.
Greece cites the tense security situation in the region as one of the reasons for its decision. The country considers its own air defense system an important part of deterring Turkey and therefore, it says, fears being left without the S-300s.
Athens would like to receive Patriots in exchange, but such a scenario is unlikely.
As Forbes explains, it is quite possible that this is not the only factor holding Greece back from striking a deal with Ukraine.
Among other possible reasons is a partial deterioration in relations between Kyiv and Athens after a Ukrainian maritime drone was detected in Greek territory. This occurred near the island of Lefkada.
Another possible factor influencing Greece's position is its relationship with Russia.
Athens may fear a negative reaction from the Kremlin if it transfers strategic systems to Ukraine.
"Furthermore, Moscow warned it against doing so, noting that Athens requires its authorization to transfer those missile systems to any third party. And Russia has no desire to authorize Ukraine acquiring such strategic systems for glaringly obvious reasons," the agency explains.
Recently, the European Union called on member states to transfer Patriot missiles from their own stockpiles to Ukraine.
Read also why American manufacturers of Patriot systems are in no hurry to transfer the technology needed for Kyiv to produce missiles on its own.
