He said there was “not the slightest doubt that it was a Ukrainian naval drone,” though he did not disclose the findings of the examination conducted after the drone was discovered.
“Ukraine owes us a huge apology. And beyond apologies, it owes us absolute assurances that nothing like this will happen again in this region,” said Nikos Dendias.
According to CNN, the Greek minister raised the issue during a meeting of NATO defense ministers. Greek and Ukrainian foreign ministers also discussed the matter. The Greek government believes the incident created a serious threat to maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea.
“How many dead would we be mourning? And how acceptable is this in the Mediterranean?” Dendias said, adding that the drone could have posed a threat to any cruise ship traveling along the route.
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zohiou described the case as “a particularly serious incident” and said that after receiving confirmation from the armed forces’ General Staff, Athens would issue official démarches at both the bilateral and international levels.
Naval drone near Greece
On May 10, Greek media reported that a naval drone had been discovered near the island of Lefkada in the Ionian Sea. The drone was said to be carrying about 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of explosives.
Athens claims the naval drone was deployed by Ukraine in Greek territorial waters with the aim of striking a Russian vessel in the Mediterranean.
Some Greek media outlets reported that the device resembled a Ukrainian Magura-class naval drone. However, manufacturer UForce denied that the drone found in Greece was one of its products.
Later reports suggested the naval drone may have gone off course due to a malfunction or may have been intended as part of a larger Ukrainian operation against Russia.