Greece to send more artillery shells and armored vehicles to Ukraine

Ukraine's defense minister, Oleksii Reznikov, arrived in Greece during his meetings with officials of NATO members.

Greece has offered help to Ukraine for better integration of its military fleet into NATO, AP reports.

"After this war, after Ukraine's victory, we, together with our partners, will continue to develop our defense capabilities," Reznikov stressed.

Greece promised more artillery and small arms ammunition shipments, access to its hospitals for wounded military personnel, and additional Soviet-era BMP infantry fighting vehicles.

The state will provide every support to Ukraine at this "very important, crucial stage of the war", Greek Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos says.

"We will continue to support Ukraine for as long as it takes — that's a very clear position that we have taken from the outset." the official added.

Military officials said Greece has also provided trainers for Ukraine's special forces and tank operators as a contribution to the massive military assistance effort led by the United States and its allies.

russia, which had traditionally close ties with Greece before the war in Ukraine, for decades had been a supplier of arms to the NATO member. moscow has singled out Athens for criticism over its support for Ukraine.

German-made Leopard tanks, the minister said, could not be provided. Greece would not provide any military assistance that could compromise its own defense.

In February, Greece provided ammunition and 20 Soviet BMP-1 armored vehicles to Ukraine.