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The whole world is now watching the tragic events in Mariupol, a city that is being barbarically destroyed by the Russian army. This destruction is noted, because the Greeks planted the first columns in the city. Mariupol is of special importance because there, on the Sea of Azov, lived and still remains a significant Greek community.

Greece tried its best to be present in the city, even after Athens decided to evacuate the embassy in Kyiv.

Greek Consul General Manolis Andrulakis was the last diplomat to leave Mariupol. He did this on March 15, after witnessing the crimes against humanity committed by the Russian authorities in the city. Now he is in Athens.

Several ethnic Greeks left Ukraine with him, but not all. Some died. And not just the 10 ethnic Greeks that were killed in February. Unfortunately, Russian aircraft dropping bombs on towns and villages have brought much more grief.

Some Greeks still remain in various cities in Ukraine, especially in the south, and they want to continue to live in Ukraine.

Places in Ukraine that are symbolic to Greece have not gone anywhere, too.

The house of the great Greek Constantine Ypsilanti in the center of Kyiv and the street named after him. Places in Odessa where Filiki Eteria began its activities - a secret organization that prepared the Greek Revolution. Ismail, where in 1820 a decision was made to go on with revolt, which began on March 25, 1821 and led to the liberation of the country from Ottoman rule.

Greece, which celebrates its Independence Day on March 25, should understand the importance of Ukraine's struggle for independence.

Immediately after the beginning of the Russian invasion, Greece realized on whose side the truth was, it broke its neutrality and in late February provided defense assistance, for which Ukraine is truly grateful.

But now Greece can do much more.

The primary problem for Ukraine is the Russian air force, which in Mariupol bombs the city and social facilities with impunity, without leaving even the diplomatic missions intact. Greece can help stop it. After all, it has at its disposal the S-300 missile division, located in Crete. This air defense system is familiar to Ukrainians; there are Ukrainian operators trained to use it; it can go into combat immediately, closing the skies over several Ukrainian cities.

Yes, it is a difficult decision, but it is possible to make it together with Greece’s NATO Allies. The experience of Slovakia, which is right now transferring its S-300 systems to Ukraine in the same way, proves that the opportunity is a real.

Yes, it will take time, but the supply of air defense systems will still be "timely".

Unfortunately, the war will not end in the coming days.

And even once a truce is reached, it will be important to keep Russian troops in check.

The closing of the sky is critical. It is very important to do it as soon as possible. Greece can take a strong step towards this goal by handing over its S-300 division to Ukraine. And there will be a substitution that will not undermine Greek defenses.

With an effective air defense system, Ukraine could halt the offensive in the south and save Mariupol from the inhumane carpet bombings the world has witnessed.

It is unclear what will Mariupol look like when it returns under full Ukraine's control. The city is almost destroyed, and airstrikes continue.

But won't this story repeat in Odessa? In other cities of Ukraine?

The assistance of NATO partners, including Greece, can give a resounding "no" to this question.

So far, Greece does not want to talk about giving this type of aid. Athens rejected an unofficial request for other, weaker air defense systems, and hinted at a reluctance to talk about the S-300. However, no official decision has been made.

Now the initiative  can be taken by the citizens of Greece, and civil society.

Only it can persuade the authorities to intervene and help stop this barbarism, which has no place in the 21st century. We hope that the Ukrainian community in Greece will be able to assist in putting pressure on the government of Greece.

This decision is also logical, considering that it is Ukraine that is now protecting the whole of Europe from the unprecedented atrocities and aggression of Putin's Russia which has not been seen in Europe in 75 years. And Ukraine can protect Europe. But we need the help of a truly effective weapon for self-defense.

A decision on this aid on the anniversary of Greek independence would prove that the words "independence", "freedom", and "humanity" (ideas that have their roots in ancient Greece) are of great importance to Greece and the Greeks.