Greek shipowners have been at pains to justify the movement of Russian oil following a tongue-lashing by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a forum hosted by The Economist in Athens last week.
Writing for gCaptain, John Konrad said Zelenskyy had blamed Greek tanker owners for undermining economic sanctions by moving Russian oil.
He said Greek companies provided almost the largest tanker fleet for the commodity. “I am sure that this does not meet the interests of Europe, Greece or Ukraine. This is just one example of the need for even greater unity so that Russia is forced to seek peaceful solutions,” he told delegates.
Greek owners have, however, hit back, claiming that they are merely fulfilling commitments already signed before the conflict. “What the Greek tonnage is transporting is oil that has been already contracted and is fully approved by the EU,” Greek owner Evangelos Marinakis told Tradewinds. “It’s something that our countries desperately need. It’s not like we’re violating any law or any embargo — it’s something that is needed, and thank God we’re here to provide stability.”
