Cyprus is close to the suffering Ukrainian people. Following the actions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acting for the benefit of Cypriot nationals, the Ministry of Defence has committed itself to the European institutions to provide humanitarian aid to the country.

In a teleconference of the Ministers of Defence of the EU member-states, the Minister of Defence, Charalambos Petridis, assured that Cyprus is at the disposal of the European Union mechanisms for any assistance.

Cyprus is able to offer military equipment such as military uniforms, boots, other clothing and footwear as well as anything else that may be recommended by the EU so as to send the necessary aid in the quantities required.

At the same time, Mr. Petridis stressed his concern over possible conflicts in neighbouring countries and the possibility of escalation of hostilities, while expressing Cyprus’ support for the decision to help through the assistance measures of the European peace mechanism.

It is noted that other major countries will send weapons and heavy military equipment to Ukraine. Finally, the Defence Ministers of the Member-States exchanged views on the possibilities for military assistance to the Ukrainian Forces.

The Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, also participated yesterday, February 28, 2022, in a teleconference of the EU Ministers of Defence over the developments in Ukraine.

From the Greek side, following the directions of the Minister of National Defence, Mr. Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and according to the decisions taken after the meeting (26/2/2022) under Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, yesterday Monday 28 February 2022, two C-130 transport aircraft with defensive equipment departed for Poland.

According to an announcement by the Ministry, this took place in the context of Greece’s proof of solidarity with the suffering Ukrainian people that comes immediately after the Greek mission of humanitarian aid with medical supplies and basic necessities under the Deputy Minister of National Defence, Nikolaos Hardalias. 

The mission departed the day before yesterday, Sunday, February 27, 2022, from “Eleftherios Venizelos” airport. All humanitarian aid is transported by C-130 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force and civilian cargo planes to Poland, with the final recipient being the affected Ukrainian citizens and our expatriates.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence is accompanied by the Deputy Chief of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff, Vice Admiral Ioannis Drymousis.

Also read: Ukrainian Issue | The Parliament condemns by resolution the invasion of Russia in Ukraine – Impact on the Cyprus problem