The spokesperson for Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Georgiy Tikhiy, has issued an apology to Greece regarding the discovery of a maritime drone in Greek territorial waters near Lefkada Island in May. This incident has raised concerns about regional security amid ongoing tensions in the area.
Tikhiy emphasized that the drone’s presence was a consequence of circumstances stemming from Russian aggression against Ukraine. He stated, “Given the current challenges to international and regional security, particularly related to maritime safety and the activities of the Russian ‘shadow fleet’, Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to international law and the principles of civil navigation safety, expressing interest in preventing similar occurrences in the future.”
He further noted that this incident illustrates the broader threat posed by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which affects not only Ukraine but also neighboring friendly nations, Europe, and the world.
The spokesperson expressed gratitude for Greece’s support since the onset of the full-scale invasion and reiterated Ukraine’s dedication to strengthening friendly relations with Athens. Tikhiy remarked, “Both Ukraine and Greece remain committed to deepening our friendly ties and fostering constructive dialogue in all areas of mutual interest.”
Prior to the apology, reports indicated that the drone, identified by Greek media as a “Kozak Mamay” model, was discovered by fishermen near Lefkada after apparently malfunctioning. It was reported to be carrying 100 kg of explosives, and Greek officials suspected its intended target was a vessel associated with the Russian shadow fleet in the Mediterranean.
In response to the incident, Athens warned against allowing the Mediterranean to become a theater of military operations. In May, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias stated that “Ukraine owes us a significant apology.” Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that there was no evidence linking the drone to Ukrainian operators.
On June 3, Greece formally protested to Ukraine regarding the maritime drone found off the coast of Lefkada.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has apologized to Greece for a maritime drone found in Greek waters, attributing the incident to Russian aggression. The apology aims to reinforce diplomatic ties and address security concerns in the region.