The Urgency of Security in Ukraine

In a pivotal interview with Fox News Digital, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis asserted that Europe must take the lead in providing security guarantees for Ukraine. His remarks come amid rising geopolitical tensions and ongoing hostilities in the region. Gerapetritis was in the United States to confer with his American counterpart, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasizing that the immediate priority should be to cease hostilities in Ukraine.

“The day after will give the opportunity for considerations about reconstruction and about the security guarantees,” Gerapetritis stated, highlighting the necessary steps for future stability in Ukraine. He noted that Greece, as a neighbor to Ukraine, bears a significant responsibility in this regard. “We need to back up from the United States; it’s important that the United States remain involved, but, of course, Europe should have the major stake,” he elaborated, stressing European countries’ pivotal role in this ongoing crisis.

Key Developments in US-Ukraine Relations

The context of Gerapetritis’ comments coincided with heightened tensions in Washington. During a recent meeting at the Oval Office, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced urgent concerns regarding U.S. security guarantees, essential for Ukraine to fend off future Russian aggressions. The discussion became contentious, leading to a halt in peace negotiations.

President Donald Trump’s administration has insisted that the burden of Ukraine’s defense lies heavily on Europe. However, Zelenskyy countered that European guarantees lack substance without strong U.S. backing. This dichotomy reflects a growing rift in perceptions of security in a landscape marked by uncertainty.

In the aftermath of the meeting, Zelenskyy remained flexible, indicating that he would consider signing a mineral deal with the U.S., demonstrating continued willingness to engage despite the apprehensions.

Greece’s Defense Commitments Amidst Controversy

During the interview, Gerapetritis took pride in Greece’s record on defense spending, highlighting a commitment that surpasses NATO’s standard 2% of GDP, reaching an impressive 3%. “We have urged all our allies to increase their spending. We need to go into a collective defense of Europe,” he declared, alluding to the necessity of a united front against external threats.

Conversely, Gerapetritis faced scrutiny over Greece’s role in enabling Russia’s oil trade. The Kyiv School of Economics has identified numerous vessels owned by Greek interests that service Russia’s “shadow fleet,” potentially undermining Western sanctions. Gerapetritis assured that Greece closely collaborates with the European Union in addressing these issues, emphasizing a robust monitoring mechanism to close any existing loopholes.

Strengthening Transatlantic Relations

In light of the recent tensions, Gerapetritis aimed to fortify transatlantic relations during his visit. He outlined, “It is important that the transatlantic relations remain intact. United, we do have a lot more leverage to actually deal with multiple crises, which is the new normality.” This call for unity underscores the importance of a cohesive international response to challenges such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and broader geopolitical issues.

While Ukraine was a prime topic during the discussions with Rubio, the meeting also aimed to address other pressing security issues, including strategies to counteract China’s influence globally. Gerapetritis touted a burgeoning alliance with India designed to create a critical transport corridor through Greece, positioning it to counterbalance China’s strategic foothold in Europe.

Regional Security Concerns and Future Outlook

Beyond Ukraine, Gerapetritis discussed other regional security challenges, particularly concerning the recent developments in Syria and Iran. He expressed caution regarding the new governing entity in Syria, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham, advocating for a gradual approach to lifting sanctions while ensuring mechanisms to reinstate them if necessary. He emphasized, “We suggest that we need to have a release on these sanctions. But that should take place mostly on a gradual basis. We need to see how it goes.”

On the topic of Iran, Gerapetritis noted concerns regarding the expansion of Iranian influence and its proxies in the broader region, highlighting the implications for global maritime security. “Iran and its proxies are operating in the broader region. We have the Houthis operating in the Red Sea. This is a serious danger for maritime security, and we’re very concerned with maritime security globally,” he concluded.