Greece issues strong protest to Russia over deaths of Greeks in Ukraine

Greece has formerly protested to Russia via its ambassador in Athens over the deaths of 10 members of the Greek community in the villages of Sartana and Bugas in East Ukraine.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Secretary General Themistocles Demiris delivered a demarche to Russian Ambassador Andrey Maslov on Sunday protesting the attacks that have cost the lives of 10 members of the

Following orders by Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Dendias, the demarche also presented a verbal notam which includes the ministry's abhorrence for unwarranted military attacks and calls on Russia to respect international human rights by ending attacks on unarmed civilians.

The ministry "reiterates Greece's special interest in the safety of Greek citizens and the Greek diaspora on Ukrainian territory, and reiterates its appeal to the Russian Federation, which is carrying out attacks in the region, for respect of their rights and the protection of their lives."

Condolences

The ministry had condemned the deaths by bombing as "unacceptable criminal acts" late on Saturday and again called on Russia to stop its operations against civilians.

The deaths were condemned by Greece's political leaders including the Greek president, prime minister, heads and representatives of political parties, embassies, and foreign leaders.

On Sunday, the Cyprus Republic, France, Germany, Norway, Poland, and Sweden were among the countries expressing condolences to Greece and the families of those killed in eastern Ukraine.