Greece could not fail to side with Ukraine in its defense, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou said on Tuesday, responding to recent statements by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

As Zochiou stated, Lavrov’s remarks “are nothing new, nor are they statements that come as a surprise to us.” She added that respect for the inviolability of borders is a core principle of Greek foreign policy, noting that “relations with Russia were at a satisfactory level until 2022.”

“Of course we take into account what was said by the Russian foreign minister. As Greece, we seek to maintain good relations with Russia and wish, when conditions allow in the future, for relations to be restored,” the spokesperson for the Greek Foreign Ministry concluded.

Asked to comment on remarks made by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about Nikos Dendias, Zochiou stressed that “Greece pursues an active foreign policy based on international law, with the tangible aim of peace and good-neighborly relations,” once again making it clear that “on matters of national interest, there can be no discussion.” She also clarified that Nikos Dendias will not be in Ankara on Wednesday, as he will be in Brussels, where his Turkish counterpart will also be present.

Finally, regarding the espionage case involving a 45-year-old Air Force Wing Commander allegedly spying for China, and whether there has been contact with the Chinese embassy in Greece, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the ministry is awaiting the evidence and the relevant findings. She added that Greece–China relations “are based on mutual respect” and that “our intention is to continue them at their current level.”