(MENAFN- UkrinForm) This was reported by the Greek newspaper Kathimerini , citing sources, according to Ukrinform.

It is noted that the pressure is coming mainly from the US and France, as well as Eastern European countries that are closer to Ukraine and more aware of the dangers threatening Ukraine. The US is pressuring Greece to purchase more weapons systems as part of the Priority Urgent Requirements List (PURL) initiative, in which mainly the Baltic and Scandinavian countries have participated so far.

"In case Greece decides to go ahead, a doubtful outcome, it would sell the Mirage 2000-5s to intermediaries such as the US, France and Germany, but also lesser powers such as the Czech Republic and Estonia. The latter, especially, one of Ukraine's staunchest supporters, has expressed interest in buying some of the fighters," the publication writes.

Despite growing pressure, diplomatic sources cited by the publication say that Athens remains opposed to the idea. Greece reportedly does not want to risk its advanced military technology being used in a direct confrontation with Russia.

Greece has already purchased 24 more modern Rafale fighters from France and, given that technical support for the 2000-5 aircraft will end in 2027, is seeking to get rid of its old fighters. However, negotiations with India on their sale have reached an impasse, and no buyers have been found in other Balkan countries either. Greece is negotiating with France to purchase another 6-12 Rafale aircraft and is bargaining for a lower price in exchange for the sale of some of the 2000-5 aircraft.

As Euractiv notes, since the start of Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, Greece has provided Ukraine with armored vehicles, missiles, rifles, and has also participated in the training of F-16 fighter pilots. However, it rejected Kyiv's request for Patriot or S-300 air defense systems. In addition, Greek government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis recently stated that Greece would not send troops to Ukraine as part of any future European security guarantees.

Read also: Zelensky appoints commander of Air Force

As reported by Ukrinform, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that the process of peaceful settlement of the Russian Federation's war against Ukraine must begin with an immediate ceasefire , while no peace formula is acceptable without Ukraine's presence at the negotiating table and the preservation of internationally recognized borders.

Photo: X/French Aid to Ukraine

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