Russia Warns Greece to Stop Anti-Russian Propaganda

In an unprecedented move, Russia’s Embassy in Athens, Greece issued a statement on Sunday calling on “the very top officials, politicians and statesmen” to tone down their anti-Russian rhetoric.

“We call on everyone, and especially the very top officials, politicians and statesmen, MPs, party officials, ministries, the media, who were so hasty yesterday to blame Russia for everything (as always), to come together and take over their responsibilities, to stop anti-Russian propaganda and to show composure, sobriety and seriousness,” the statement reads.

The Russian Embassy, who earlier tweeted that members of its staff have received threats, is referring to Greece’s condemnation of Russian action in Ukraine and in particular to the bombardment of the region near Mariupol, in eastern Ukraine, which resulted in the death of 10 ethnic Greeks.

Russia has denied that its forces were responsible for the deaths.

The Embassy is blasting what it calls the silence of Greek politicians who as it says ignored for eight years “the martyrdom of Donbas which was brought about by the bullets, bombs and shells of the Ukrainian army and the nationalist fascist battalions.”

“While thousands of people were mourned there, and the villages and towns were covered in blood, no official building or fountain here in Athens was ever dressed in the colors of peace, no tweets were hastened to be posted on an official website and no action was taken,” the statement reads.

Greece irks Russia with the display of Ukrainian colors

The statement follows the move by the Greek Parliament to illuminate part of its facade with the Ukrainian flag to express its solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people.

“The flag of Ukraine illuminates tonight the facade of the Greek Parliament, above the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, from 7 pm to midnight,” a Parliament press release said.

“This symbolic initiative expresses both the condemnation of the Russian military invasion of an independent and sovereign country, a member of the UN, and our unwavering support for the suffering Ukrainian people,” it added.

The statement by the Russian Embassy also follows the move of Athens’ Mayor to illuminate the fountain on Omonia Square in central Athens in the colors of the Ukrainian flag on Friday night, as a sign of solidarity to Ukraine.

“Omonia is symbolically illuminated with the national colors of Ukraine. Athens, faithful to its history and tradition, supports Kyiv, Mariupol, small and large cities, the friendly Ukrainian people,” Athens Mayor Kostas Bakoyannis said on Friday.

Greece sends military supplies to Ukraine to fight Russia’s aggression

Greece will be sending defense material and medical supplies following the Ukrainian government’s request, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis decided at a meeting he chaired on Sunday that included National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos and Hellenic National Defense General Staff chief Konstantinos Floros.

Government sources said that at the Maximos Mansion meeting, Mitsotakis was briefed on developments in Ukraine and reached the decision for help after consulting with NATO allies and EU partners.

Two C-130 aircraft with defense material will depart for Poland on Sunday, while on the same day humanitarian help will be sent as well, accompanied by Deputy National Defense Minister Nikos Hardalias.