Baulking at shipping sanctions, Greece balances Ukraine aid, fear of Russia

What the report says

Al Jazeera reports that Greece is resisting parts of a proposed 21st European Union sanctions package on Russia, saying measures targeting the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas to non-EU buyers would fall heavily on Greek shipping. Athens argues that Greek owners control about 60 percent of the EU fleet, making the sector especially exposed. The dispute comes as the European Commission tries to revise the package after objections from Greece and other member states.

The report frames the standoff as part of a wider Greek balancing act: supporting Ukraine while trying to shield major domestic industries and avoid provoking Russian retaliation. Tourism and shipping together account for more than a quarter of Greece’s economy, according to the article. Al Jazeera also cites a May incident in which a fisherman found an explosives-laden Ukrainian naval drone off Lefkada, raising Greek concerns about safety, pollution risks and the possibility of the country becoming drawn into wartime operations.

Despite these tensions, Greece has expanded cooperation with Ukraine. Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis told Al Jazeera that Ukrainian officials accepted responsibility and apologized over the drone incident, allowing contacts to resume. Greece has signed a memorandum on reconstruction assistance, Greek firms have taken on infrastructure projects, and the port of Alexandroupolis has served as a route for US weapons and, more recently, LNG supplies to Ukraine.

Al Jazeera says Greece has provided bilateral, EU-channelled and humanitarian support to Ukraine, but remains cautious on deeper defence industrial cooperation, including maritime drone production. Greek officials cited fears of Russian hybrid warfare, cybersecurity vulnerabilities and possible misinformation ahead of elections expected between autumn 2026 and early 2027.