Greece lodges protest with Ukraine over naval drone found in its waters
Greek authorities have lodged an official diplomatic protest with Ukraine over an uncrewed surface vessel carrying explosives that was found off the coast of the island of Lefkada and which Athens believes to be Ukrainian.
As reported by Greek newspaper Kathimerini, Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis informed Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, of Greece's intention to lodge a protest with Kyiv, citing the conclusions of a report by the Hellenic National Defence General Staff.
The findings of investigations conducted by Greek law enforcement authorities confirmed that the drone was Ukrainian and was "operating on Ukraine's behalf". The Greek foreign minister also informed his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, who had been invited to attend the informal meeting of EU foreign ministers held in Limassol on 27 May.
According to the findings, the uncrewed surface vessel was "part of a broader operation in which other similar systems were also intended to participate in attacks on vessels serving Russian interests".
Athens informed Kyiv that it was aware of the plan. Greek officials added that their priority is to secure Ukraine's acknowledgement of the mistake and the withdrawal of all remaining combat drones from the Mediterranean Sea.
The uncrewed surface vessel – identified by Greek media as a Kozak Mamai model – was discovered by fishermen near the island of Lefkada after apparently suffering a remote-control malfunction. Reports said it was carrying 100 kg of explosives. Greek officials suspect it was intended to strike a vessel belonging to Russia's shadow fleet operating in the Mediterranean.
Athens warned that it would not allow the Mediterranean Sea to become a theatre of military operations. In May, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said that "Ukraine owes us a very large apology".
Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there is no evidence that the vessel was linked to Ukrainian operators.