Volodymyr Zelenskyy

The recent gathering of Western Balkan leaders along with top European Union officials in Athens, following an invitation from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (on the 20th anniversary of a summit between the EU and Western Balkan countries in the northern port city of Thessaloniki) was naturally overshadowed by the previously unannounced presence of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelens

The informal inner hosted by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Balkan leaders and high-ranking European officials on Monday, and the visit to Athens of Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy is seen in Greece as a reflection of its desire to serve as a bridge between Europe and the region. 

Monday's meeting in Athens between the leaders of the Western Balkans, EU officials and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shows that Greece is once again able to exercise an energetic foreign policy, actively assuming the role of a pillar of stability in Southeast Europe.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis conveyed to visiting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday that Greece will continue to support Ukraine and its Euro-Atlantic perspective in terms of defense and humanitarian aid.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hosted on Monday evening an informal dinner with the leaders of the Western Balkans, Moldova, Ukraine and the EU, during which issues related to the bloc's enlargement and the European future of the region was discussed on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of the EU-Western Balkans Summit and the Declaration of Thessaloniki.

Greece and Ukraine confirmed their commitment to the latter's efforts to join NATO, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a Joint Declaration on Ukraine's Euro-Atlantic integration signed in Athens on Monday evening.

Greece will take part in training of Ukrainian air force pilots for F-16 jets, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Monday.

Denmark and the Netherlands on Sunday announced they would supply the first F-16s to Ukraine.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized Greece's support for Ukraine in a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after a bilateral meeting on Monday in Athens.

BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said on Tuesday evening he believed Ukraine would not recognise the so-called Kosovo as, by doing so, it would lose all political credibility and "all trump cards it has in its hands" in a day.

Vucic said this in response to a reporter's question about recent comments that Ukraine will recognise the so-called Kosovo.

NATO leaders prepared to provide Ukraine with more military assistance for fighting Russia but only vague assurances of future membership as the alliance's summit draws to a close on July 12.