(upd) The arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Athens on Sunday 16 November is causing intense reactions in Greece.
The Greek government, and especially Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, is receiving strong criticism for its support of Zelensky and for the strategic choices it follows in foreign policy.
By supporting Ukraine, Greece finds itself in confrontation with Russia, a traditional ally, and loses support on its national issues.
The visit of Zelensky and the intense reactions are being monitored with particular interest by the Russian press.
The usurper president of Ukraine is expected to request air-defense missiles, Patriot and Mirage, while LNG is also at the center of his interests.
Why Zelensky is coming urgently to Athens - He asks for Patriot and Mirage
Russian attacks are what forced Zelensky to travel to Greece for missiles for the Patriot air-defense systems.
This was stated by the British military analyst Alexander Merkuris on his YouTube channel.
“The recent Russian attack (14/11) is likely to have exhausted Ukraine’s stock of Patriot missiles.
Zelensky needs more missiles and that is why he is going to Greece,” the expert believes.
Merkuris described Zelensky’s requests as meaningless, comparing the supply of new air-defense systems and missiles to attempts to inflate a balloon that has already burst.
According to Ukrainian media, Zelensky is coming urgently to Greece to ask Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for missiles for Patriot systems.
In addition, during the visit, the Ukrainian president hopes to secure an agreement for the supply of Mirage 2000 fighter jets.
And LNG in the spotlight
At the center of Zelensky’s contacts with Mitsotakis will be the vertical gas corridor and Greece’s role as a hub for the transport of LNG to Ukraine.
The discussion about the vertical corridor, from Alexandroupoli to Romania and Moldova, with final destination Ukraine, has intensified after last week’s agreements at Zappeion and the initiation of U.S. LNG transport through Greek infrastructure.
Ukraine’s increased energy needs, damage to the grid, and limited reserves are pushing Kyiv to seek additional gas quantities and increase imports by 30%.
Washington supports diversification efforts and considers Greece a natural entry point for U.S. LNG.
“The notorious executioner”
The Panhellenic Movement of Greek-Russian Friendship (PAKIEF) harshly attacks Zelensky, calling him a “notorious executioner” and “destroyer of his own country.”
The political stance of the Ukrainian president, as well as his foreign-policy actions, bring to the surface a new dimension of the international political scene, with direct implications for Greece’s relations with Ukraine and Russia.
It should be noted that the announcement of PAKIEF is published verbatim by the Russian news agency Tass.
In its announcement, PAKIEF refers to Zelensky as an “executioner” and “destroyer” of Ukraine, claiming that the Ukrainian president has not only destroyed his own country but has turned into an “international beggar,” who with his constant appeals for help asks for billions to finance personal purposes for himself and his circle around the world.
The intensity of these accusations is based on the belief that Zelensky and his government caused Ukraine’s economic destruction and its dependence on international lenders and donations, while the economies of his supporters, such as Greece, are being harmed.
The announcement wonders what “useful” thing Zelensky can offer, since he refused to recognize the Greek community in eastern Ukraine, which was oppressed by the Kyiv regime.
He violated the rights of Greeks in Ukraine
One of the central points of the announcement is the complaint that the Greek diaspora in Ukraine is not officially recognized and that under Zelensky’s leadership, the Greek language and Greek national identity have no place in the state.
According to the announcement, the Greeks of eastern Ukraine not only lack official recognition but have also suffered violent persecution, with hundreds having been killed or oppressed by the Kyiv authorities.
Furthermore, the announcement highlights the comparison with Turkey, which has invested billions in Ukraine and developed political relations with Zelensky, while Greece, despite its valuable assistance, has received no substantial return from Ukraine.
It stresses that Greece has offered military aid and free electricity without receiving anything meaningful from Zelensky’s government.
“In which national issue, whether Cyprus or the Aegean, has Zelensky supported us, and yet we rush each time to support him and intensify our confrontation with our eternal ally Russia, losing its long-standing support on our national issues?” PAKIEF reasonably asks.
Russia as Greece’s natural ally
The Greek political leadership is called upon to revise its foreign policy, withdraw support from Zelensky, and turn to a more “multidimensional” and “truly patriotic” strategy that includes Russia as Greece’s natural ally.
Greece must deal with international relations seriously and seek to regain its strategic position in the region, without isolating itself or sacrificing its interests for the sake of others.
Zelensky’s meeting schedule
Zelensky begins his European tour from Athens, where, according to information, his arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport is expected after 12:00.
His first stop will be the Presidential Mansion, around 13:00, where he will hold talks with the President of the Hellenic Republic, K. Tasoulas.
Then, at 13:45, he will go to the Maximos Mansion to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Statements and an expanded meeting between the two delegations will follow.
The final stop is the Hellenic Parliament, at 15:00, where he will meet with the President of Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis.
After the meetings in Athens, Zelensky is expected to travel on Monday 17/11 to Paris, and on Tuesday 18/11 to Madrid.
Ban on gatherings in Athens due to Zelensky - Presidential Garden closed
Unbelievable inconvenience awaits the people of Athens on Sunday 16/11/2025 due to the arrival of Zelensky.
ELAS announced a ban on gatherings in the center of Athens, Filothei, and Chalandri because of Zelensky’s visit.
Official announcement:
“It is announced that by decisions of the Directors of the Athens Police Directorate and the Northeastern Attica Police Directorate, the holding of all public outdoor assemblies is prohibited on Sunday 16-11-2025, from 06:00 until 22:00, due to the visit of the President of Ukraine to Athens, in the following areas enclosed by the streets:
Municipality of Athens
Vas. Konstantinou Ave. – Vas. Olgas Ave. – Vas. Amalias Ave. – Xenophontos – Filellinon – Syntagma Sq. – Stadiou – Amerikis – Lycavittou – Il. Rogakou – Kleomenous – Ploutarchou – Rizari – Vas. Konstantinou Ave.
Municipalities of Filothei–Psychiko and Chalandri
Kifisias Ave. – Vekiareli – Griva Digeni – 25th Martiou – Bizaniou – Korytsas – Benaki – Kokoni – Kifisias Ave. – Agamemnonos – Ag. Varvaras – Serron – Kifisias Ave.
“This prohibition is imposed because the holding of assemblies poses a serious danger to public safety due to potential commission of serious crimes, especially against life, physical integrity, and property, and it seriously threatens the disruption of socio-economic life in these areas.”
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