Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Venizelos’ statement on the death of persons of Greek origin in the village of Sartana, near Mariupol

“It was with great sadness that I learned from the Greek Consul General in Mariupol and the President of the Federation of Greek Communities of Ukraine, Mrs. Alexandra Prochenko, that persons of Greek origin were among the victims who lost their lives in an artillery shelling yesterday in the village of Sartana, near Mariupol.

I express my deep and sincere condolences to the families of the victims. Our support will be direct.

In these difficult hours, the Greek state is at the side of the Greek community of Ukraine, and instructions have already been issued to our Consul General in Mariupol to provide any possible assistance to the families of the people who lost their lives and those who were injured.

The protection of citizens of Greek origin in Mariupol and the wider region is our number-one concern. What is needed is respect for the ceasefire and a practicable politico-diplomatic solution. This has been the axis of our policy from the very outset, both within the framework of the UN, the EU, the OSCE and all the international organizations, as well as bilaterally.”