Europe must lead on Ukrainian security guarantees, Greek foreign minister says: ‘We are the neighbors’

Europe Must Lead on Ukraine’s Security Guarantees, Says Greek Foreign Minister

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of Europe taking the lead in providing security guarantees for Ukraine during an interview with Fox News Digital. Gerapetritis, who was in the United States to meet with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, stressed that the primary focus should be on ending the hostilities in Ukraine. "The day after will give the opportunity for considerations about reconstruction and about the security guarantees," he stated. Gerapetritis argued that as neighboring countries, European nations have a responsibility to take charge of these efforts, though he acknowledged the need for U.S. support. "We need backing from the United States; it’s important that the United States remain involved, but, of course, Europe should have the major stake," he said.

Gerapetritis’ comments come amid heightened tensions over the role of the U.S. and Europe in Ukraine’s defense. President Donald Trump and his administration have pushed for Europe to take primary responsibility for Ukraine’s security, claiming that European countries are better positioned to defend their neighbors. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly argued that European security guarantees are insufficient without U.S. involvement. Zelenskyy’s insistence on U.S. backing led to a heated exchange during his recent visit to the White House, where he was eventually escorted out following a disagreement with Trump and Vice President JD Vance. Despite this, Zelenskyy later indicated his willingness to sign a proposed mineral deal with the U.S., which some interpret as a signal of potential future cooperation.

Greece Boosts Defense Spending, Calls for Collective European Defense

Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s commitment to defense spending, noting that the country has surpassed NATO’s 2% GDP target by raising its defense expenditures to 3%. "We have urged all our allies to increase their spending," he said, emphasizing the need for a collective defense strategy for Europe. This statement underscores Greece’s efforts to position itself as a leader in regional security, though questions remain about the country’s role in enabling Russia’s oil trade. According to a report by the Kyiv School of Economics, 126 Greek-owned oil tankers are part of Russia’s "shadow fleet," which helps the Kremlin bypass Western sanctions and export oil. Gerapetritis acknowledged the issue but said Greece is working with the European Union to address it. "We are imposing not only the sanctions imposed by the European Union but also our own national sanctions. We are having a very strict monitoring mechanism. The truth is that we need to close any gaps concerning potential bypasses… We’re working on these with allies within the European Union," he explained.

Repairing the Transatlantic Alliance

Gerapetritis’ visit to the U.S. also aimed to strengthen the transatlantic alliance, which has been strained by disagreements over Ukraine and other issues. "It is important that transatlantic relations remain intact and strong," he said. "United, we do have a lot more leverage to actually deal with multiple crises, which is the new normality. So we have to stay together." Gerapetritis’ meeting with Rubio was expected to cover a range of security topics, including countering China’s growing influence and addressing regional instability in areas such as Syria and Iran.

Countering China’s Influence and Diversifying Trade Routes

One key area of discussion during Gerapetritis’ meeting with Rubio was China’s expanding influence, particularly in the Indo-Pacific and Europe. Gerapetritis highlighted Greece’s efforts to counter China by forming a new alliance with India. The two nations are working on a transport corridor that would connect India to European markets through Greece, providing an alternative to China’s dominance in the region. "This major plan is, I think, an excellent project. In order to diversify the routes concerning transport, concerning data, concerning energy," Gerapetritis said. He also emphasized Greece’s alignment with the U.S. on foreign and security policy, noting that the two countries share a "very likeminded" approach to global challenges.

Concerns Over Syria and Iran

Another critical topic on the agenda was the situation in Syria, where Greece has expressed skepticism about the new government, Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham. Gerapetritis advocated for a cautious approach to lifting sanctions, suggesting that any easing of restrictions should be gradual and reversible if the governing entity reverts to its terrorist roots. "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," he said. Additionally, Gerapetritis expressed concerns about Iran’s activities in the broader region, particularly the operations of Iranian-backed groups like the Houthis in the Red Sea. "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 warned.

A New Era of Global Challenges

Gerapetritis’ remarks reflect the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape, where traditional alliances are being tested by new challenges. From the war in Ukraine to the rise of China, the instability in the Middle East, and the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Europe, the world is facing a daunting array of crises. Gerapetritis’ call for a unified transatlantic alliance and a stronger European leadership on security issues highlights the need for cooperation in addressing these challenges. As the international community navigates this new era of uncertainty, the ability of nations to work together will be crucial in shaping the future of global security and stability.