Greece rejects calls to send Patriot missiles to Ukraine
Greece denies media reports suggesting the transfer of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems to Ukraine. From Kyiv's perspective, this is one of the most valuable weapons, and it is also considered indispensable for Athens.
On 4 May, "The New York Times" reported that the chances of additional Patriot missile systems for Ukraine are increasing, with expectations they might come from Israel, Germany, or Greece. However, the option of Greece supplying them turns out to be unlikely.
Greece will not send Patriot systems to Ukraine
"There is no question of supplying Ukraine with Patriot systems from Greece," reported Reuters, citing a representative of the Greek government.
The same source claims that the issue of sending these weapons to Ukraine is not even being discussed in Greece, as the Patriot is considered essential for the country's security.
One of the most important features of the Patriot system is its effectiveness and ability to counter challenging targets, such as ballistic and hypersonic missiles. In Ukraine, the Patriot is reportedly even effective against Kh-47M2 Kinzhal missiles, often referred to as "Putin's superweapon." These missiles travel at hypersonic speeds (above 6,100 km/h), posing a significant challenge for other anti-aircraft systems available to the Ukrainian army.
A quiet ally of Kyiv
Greece is a country supporting Ukraine on many levels, including the transfer of weapons and ammunition. However, the Ukrainian UNITED24 Media service notes that Athens often acts cautiously, carrying out such transfers quietly to avoid escalating tensions with Russia. Reluctance to provide air defence systems may be influenced by the relations between Athens and Ankara. Both countries compete for dominance in the Mediterranean region and are heavily arming their armies, including their air forces.
From Ukraine's perspective, important elements in Greek warehouses include not only modern equipment like the Patriot but also older, Soviet-era weapons. Greece is one of the few NATO countries possessing Soviet-era anti-aircraft and anti-missile systems (S-300, Osa-AK/AKM, and Tor-M1), which are valuable to the Ukrainian army as it has similar weapons.
So far, Greece has provided Ukraine with 122 mm calibre missiles used by Ukrainians in Soviet-era artillery. Additionally, they have sent BMP-1 infantry fighting vehicles, FIM-92 Stinger man-portable air defence systems, RPG-18 anti-tank grenade launchers, and M114A1 howitzers to the front lines.
