Ukraine has informed Greece that it will continue targeting Russian vessels on the high seas, arguing that such operations are lawful under its right to self-defence as recognised by Article 51 of the United Nations Charter.
The issue has reignited diplomatic tensions between Athens and Kyiv following the discovery of a Ukrainian naval drone carrying around 100 kilograms of explosives near the Greek island of Lefkada earlier this year.
According to diplomatic sources cited by Euractiv, Ukrainian intelligence believed the drone was intended to strike a Russian tanker in the Mediterranean before it reportedly malfunctioned and drifted into Greek waters.
Greece seeks assurances
The incident prompted a strong reaction from Athens, which insisted the Mediterranean must not become an extension of the war in Ukraine.
Greece reportedly lodged three diplomatic démarches with Kyiv, requesting assurances that similar incidents would not occur again.
Ukraine subsequently issued a formal apology, saying the drone’s arrival in Greek waters was an unintended consequence of Russia’s invasion and not a deliberate act against Greece.
Kyiv defends military operations
Despite the apology, Ukrainian officials have reportedly made it clear during meetings with Greek counterparts that they will not halt operations against Russian shipping.
Kyiv maintains that attacks on Russian vessels are permitted under Article 51 of the UN Charter, which recognises a state’s inherent right to self-defence following an armed attack.
Ukrainian diplomats also referred to the 1996 Treaty of Friendship between Greece and Ukraine, arguing that both countries are obliged to consult each other when situations arise that could threaten international peace and security.
According to the report, Ukrainian officials believe Athens should have engaged in consultations before the issue became a major political controversy in Greece.
Prank call reignites controversy
The issue returned to public attention this week after Russian pranksters Vovan and Lexus released details of a conversation with Thanos Dokos, the national security adviser to Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The incident triggered renewed debate in Greece over the security implications of Ukrainian military operations extending into the Mediterranean.
Drone discovered near Lefkada
The unmanned surface vessel, identified by Greek media as a Kozak Mamai naval drone, was discovered by fishermen near Lefkada in early June after apparently losing remote control.
Greek authorities safely recovered the drone, which was reportedly carrying approximately 100 kilograms of explosives.
Following the incident, Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias said Ukraine owed Greece “a very big apology” and reiterated that Athens would not tolerate the Mediterranean becoming another theatre of the war.
The incident remains one of the most significant diplomatic disputes between Greece and Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.