Diplomatic — 2026-06-04

Greece Issues Formal Demarche to Ukraine Over Armed Naval Drone Found Near Lefkada Island

BLUFAthens' demand that Kyiv withdraw "remaining" combat drones from the Mediterranean implies Greek intelligence has identified additional Ukrainian autonomous systems operating uncoordinated in allied waters.

Greek Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou confirmed on June 3 that Athens formally protested to Kyiv over an armed drone discovered in Greek territorial waters near Lefkada on May 8 1demarche to Kyiv over the drone near Lefkada" data-source="Athens News" data-url="https://en.rua.gr/2026/06/03/after-25-days-athens-sent-a-demarche-to-kyiv-over-the-drone-near-lefkada" data-rt="secondary" data-otype="digital_news">2. Greek law enforcement investigations concluded the vessel, a Kozak Mamai model carrying approximately 100 kg of explosives, was Ukrainian and "operating on Ukraine's behalf" as part of an operation against ships serving Russian interests in the Mediterranean 34. Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis had previously informed Ukrainian FM Andrii Sybiha of Athens' intent at the EU foreign ministers' meeting in Limassol on May 27 34. Athens stated that Kyiv's right to self-defense "cannot justify such actions" and demanded Ukraine's acknowledgment of the incident and withdrawal of remaining combat drones from the Mediterranean; Ukraine's Foreign Ministry says no evidence links the vessel to Ukrainian operators 134.

Analysis
Greek law enforcement's finding that the Kozak Mamai drone operated on Ukraine's behalf to interdict shadow fleet shipping establishes that Kyiv extended covert naval interdiction into NATO member waters without allied coordination. Sourcing, however, rests on a single Greek Ministry briefing echoed by four outlets, limiting independent weight. Athens' demand for acknowledgment and drone withdrawal signals Greece assesses additional Ukrainian systems remain in the Mediterranean. Kyiv's flat denial locks both governments into irreconcilable public positions. The month-long gap between discovery and demarche reflects deliberate sequencing: private consultations preceded public escalation to contain reputational damage while preserving leverage. Remote-control failure stranding the vessel before its target remains consistent with genuine compartmentalization rather than deliberate deception of Athens.

5 sources

Greece Issues Demarche to Ukraine Over Naval Drone Near Lefkada - Greek Reporter
After 25 days, Athens sent a demarche to Kyiv over the drone near Lefkada - Athens News
Greece lodges protest with Ukraine over naval drone found in its waters - Ukrainska Pravda
Greece lodges protest with Ukraine over naval drone found in its waters - European Pravda
Greece issues demarche to Ukraine over sea drone - Ukrinform