The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has officially addressed a delicate diplomatic issue with Greece following the discovery of a drifting marine drone near the island of Lefkada. In an official statement published on Heorhiy Tykhyy’s X account, the Ukrainian MFA spokesperson explained that the incident was a direct consequence of the extraordinary and unpredictable defensive circumstances caused by Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Kyiv expressed its official regret over the situation, demonstrating high diplomatic maturity and deep respect for the sovereignty and security of its European partners.
The backstory of the incident dates back to May, when Greek authorities initiated an investigation after a suspicious marine drone washed ashore near Lefkada. Early media reports suggested that the device physically resembled Ukraine’s Magura V5 naval drone, which has successfully devastated Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Consequently, Athens issued a formal diplomatic demarche to Kyiv. Even though subsequent technical assessments cast doubt on whether the device belonged directly to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, Kyiv chose a proactive and transparent diplomatic route. Instead of engaging in protracted technical disputes, Ukraine prioritized bilateral relations and open dialogue.
In his address, Tykhyy expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Greece for their consistent political, humanitarian, and military support since the start of the full-scale invasion. He emphasized that Athens remains a vital ally in Southern Europe, and maintaining mutual trust is of paramount strategic importance. Both nations share significant concerns regarding regional maritime security, particularly the illicit activities of Russia’s “shadow fleet” and the Kremlin’s constant violations of international maritime law.
This diplomatic move by Ukraine highlights the stark contrast between a responsible international actor and a rogue state. Kyiv’s readiness to communicate openly and address the concerns of its allies reinforces its commitment to international law and the safety of civil navigation. By resolving this issue swiftly, Ukraine and Greece have turned a potential diplomatic friction point into an opportunity to strengthen their partnership against shared hybrid threats in the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.