The Geopolitics of Russian Influence and the Targeting of Greece

Recent events in Europe show that Russia seeks to expand its influence not only through the projection of military power and the instrumentalization of energy, but also through propaganda, disinformation, and hybrid threats, which act as multipliers of geopolitical power.

This strategy is not a fragmentary choice, but recommends a standard course of action (modus operandi) followed by Russia to promote its national aspirations.

In particular, Russia is implementing hybrid operations that target the cognitive domain, i.e., the perceptions of leaders and officials of state and non-state international actors that it wants to influence.

Through propaganda, ideological pressure, misinformation, and narrative management, It attempts to exploit the vulnerabilities of its targets, delegitimize democracies and their values, destabilize governments and societies, divide citizens and leaders, and ultimately influence decision-making.

A typical example of this strategy is the use of drones and other unmanned systems in hybrid actions against European states, with the aim of monitoring, undermining infrastructure, and creating psychological pressure, in combination with information campaigns.

At the same time, The same approach, but with different means, is also being applied in the peace process in Ukraine.. Moscow is attempting to influence the international narrative by presenting itself as a «responsible negotiator» and the West as the main party responsible for the conflict..

It also exploits networks of influence and misinformation mechanisms to create conditions favorable to its own positions and shift responsibility for the prolonged instability onto others.

Furthermore, Russia uses deception as part of broader information operations, seeking to project its power. (utilizing a partially constructed image of power) and to present itself as a «victorious power» capable of imposing its terms in peace negotiations.

By projecting an image of «inevitable victory,» it attempts, on the one hand, to strengthen its internal cohesion and, on the other, to shape the terms of negotiation in favor of its own aspirations. This strategy acts as a kind of «trap» for the West, as it aims to sow doubt, divide unity, and encourage potential concessions that would secure political and geo-economic benefits for Moscow. which strengthen its strategic position internationally, regardless of the actual situation in the business field.

At the same time, Russia uses intimidation as a tool to exert pressure in negotiations, incorporating it into a broader framework of information and psychological operations.. Through a combination of military and political power demonstrations, threats, misinformation, and the creation of a sense of unpredictability, it attempts to limit its opponents' options and influence their perceptions, with the aim of imposing its will. and secure favorable terms, strengthening its strategic position and geopolitical and geo-economic benefits.».

In this context, Greece, as a country with a key geostrategic position and a member of NATO and the EU, could not remain outside the scope of Russia's strategy to exert influence in the wider region.

Specifically, Russia, through a systematic and targeted hybrid warfare campaign that exploits Greece's vulnerabilities, is conducting information and psychological operations that cultivate anti-Western narratives and amplify extreme or marginal voices that undermine the country's national interests.

For example, the recent attack of the Press Secretary of the Russian Foreign Ministry Ms. Zakharova, against Greece, which exploits old and new propaganda narratives with the aim of undermining the country's international credibility, is a typical example of this strategy.

Specifically, she accused Greece of violating the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, claiming that the junta of colonels «intervened in Cyprus in an attempt to annex it to Athens» and that Greece «blocked international cooperation initiatives towards the Republic of Macedonia» until 2018.

This move is not accidental, but part of a broader information warfare strategy aimed at reviving historical tensions and creating false links with existing social and national sensitivities.

Through this attack, Ms. Zakharova is attempting to cast doubt on Greece's international position. — a country that has consistently operated in the international arena based on the principles of international law, respect for the sovereignty of states, and commitment to the values of peace and cooperation — and destabilize the country, undermining the cohesion and national unity of the Greek people.

As part of this strategy, sensitive national issues are exploited such as Greek-Turkish relations, immigration, the country's energy dependence on Russia, or issues of Orthodox Christianity, with the aim of weakening Greece's Euro-Atlantic orientation, creating internal rifts, delegitimizing the political leadership, and creating favorable conditions for Russian interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans..

To implement this strategy, Networks of «analysts,» «journalists,» and «institutes» reproduce narratives that present Russia as a «natural and reliable ally» due to religious and historical ties, while cultivating the illusion that distancing Greece from the West would better serve Greek national interests..

In fact, They are instruments of a hybrid enterprise that aims not only to undermine Greek foreign policy, but also to create a society that is vulnerable to foreign narratives, ready to be divided and to question the country's fundamental security choices.

Tangible examples of this strategy include aggressive rhetoric President Putin and high-ranking Russian officials against Greece and the Greek Prime Minister. This rhetoric is not limited to statements, but is directly reflected in the Russian press, with characteristic examples being the aggressive articles in Pravda, where Greece is presented as a «country with no power», over-indebted and with a leadership that is «out of touch with reality».».

Η targeting of the Greek Prime Minister was particularly intense during his visit to Odessa for the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit in 2025, where Russian analyst Lyubov Stepushova characterized him «unreasonable» and Greece «up to its ears in debt», openly questioning its ability to participate in reconstruction and interconnection projects in the region.

At the same time, the same analyst accused Athens of «megalomania» and «excessive ambitions» that exceed the country's actual capabilities, promoting a narrative of weakness and inadequacy that serves Russia's strategy of delegitimizing Greek foreign policy.

This is the context in which the Russian government's official decision to include Greece—along with Cyprus—in the list of countries with «destructive behavior» who supposedly oppose «traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.» This list, It is not only a tool for exerting pressure through communication and ideological targeting, but also practical proof of Moscow's recognition of Greece as an «enemy country."», with all the consequences that this entails for regional security and stability.

Furthermore, Moscow is attempting to divide Greek society from its political leadership by systematically promoting the narrative that it «punishes» governments but continues to «appreciate» the people.

This strategy, which accompanies the designation of Greece as an «enemy country,», aims to create an artificial rift between the state and society, with the goal of cultivating pro-Russian tendencies and challenging the country's Euro-Atlantic orientation.

Through selective references to «traditional ties» and «common values of Orthodoxy», Russian propaganda attempts to instill the idea that the West is foreign and hostile to Greek interests, while Russia is Greece's «natural ally».

In fact, It is a mechanism of psychological and informational influence that exploits social sensitivities, economic inequalities, and national issues with the aim of undermining citizens' trust in the country's institutional choices and making Greek society more vulnerable to Russia's hybrid strategy.

Within this the context of the division between state and society, Russia reinforces its efforts with a strategy of demonizing its opponents, specifically targeting the Greek political leadership.

In particular, by presenting Greece and its Prime Minister as weak, incompetent, or overrated, turning them into «enemies» in the eyes of the international and domestic public, seeks to delegitimize the country and its leadership.

Through this tactic, It attempts to divide, sow doubt, and undermine society's trust in institutions, while at the same time portraying itself as a «natural ally» with moral superiority, serving its geopolitical and strategic interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Balkans.

As a result, in the Greek public sphere, a section of the political world, as well as analysts and commentators, They attempt to portray Russia as a «victim» of the West and the war in Ukraine as an inevitable reaction to «NATO encirclement.».

According to supporters of this narrative, Russia is protecting its historical territories and vital interests, the invasion of Ukraine was not an invasion but a «special military operation», Ukraine has already been defeated, Europe is weak, and Greece is «weakening its national defense» supporting Ukraine.

At the same time, The government and the prime minister are portrayed as «extras,» while, according to the narrative, the country should openly side with Russia and limit its cooperation with the West.

However, The above arguments lack seriousness and do not promote national interests.

Specifically, The invasion of Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of an independent state and of international law, while the claim of «genocide» against Russian speakers is not substantiated by international organizations.

Also, The invocation of «common values» and «orthodoxy» is a propaganda myth and a typical tool of psychological influence.

In practice, Moscow did not hesitate to form a strategic alliance with Mr. Erdogan's Turkey, which poses a direct threat to Greece.

If Russia were Greece's «natural ally,» it would not have supported economically to prevent Turkey from going bankrupt, it would not continue to arm it and finance the construction of its nuclear power plant, which poses a deadly national threat to Greece. Finally, it would not tolerate continued Turkish aggression in the Aegean and violations of Cyprus's EEZ.

As I have emphasized in a previous article, for Greece, The stance taken by the Greek government regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a one-way street and is not aimed exclusively at Russia.. Regardless of which country followed the same practice, Greece would maintain the same stance.

In particular, Greece acts in the international arena on the basis of principles and values and with respect for international law.. This has been the compass of Greek diplomacy since the establishment of the Greek state.

From the very moment Russia invaded Ukraine, Greece condemned this invasion because it violates international law, undermines European security, and jeopardizes the stability of Europe and the entire international order.

Greece having long experience of threats on its borders and experiencing Turkey's expansionist and revisionist policy, immediately condemned Russia's aggressive actions that violate the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of an independent state and result in the loss of thousands of innocent lives.

Greece, responding to Ukraine's request, in consultation with its allies in NATO and the EU, and demonstrating practical solidarity with the Ukrainian people, provided significant humanitarian aid consisting of medical supplies, materials, and military equipment not operationally necessary for the Armed Forces and the Security of the Country.

Although she was asked, did not provide tanks, did not provide F16 aircraft, nor did it provide anti-aircraft systems. The minimal military equipment it has provided is unnecessary, and its withdrawal and destruction by the armed forces would cost many millions of euros.

Finally, it should be understood by everyone that If Russia's invasion of Ukraine succeeds and its violent practices are legitimized by the international community, then we will be talking about the consolidation of the rule of the powerful. Any country that believes it has the power will invade another country to conquer it and impose its terms, resulting in a international community «Jungle».

Greece in such a case, it is very likely to be attacked by Turkey, which is a revisionist power, acts threateningly towards Greece, wishes to change the legal status of the Aegean Sea and re-establish the Ottoman Empire.

If Greece had taken a position in favor of Russia's invasion, which is contrary to the rules of international law, and legitimized the change of borders by force, how would it condemn a possible Turkish invasion of Greece and seek support from the international community?;   

Furthermore, such a stance would expose Greece internationally, because When you denounce Turkey's illegal invasion of Cyprus and defend international law, you cannot at the same time support another invader.

Greece's foreign policy is not conducted on an ad hoc basis, but is characterized by its consistent stance in favor of international legitimacy and against any aggressive action, regardless of who commits it.

Within this context, Greece's goal is a just and sustainable peace, with an immediate ceasefire and strong security guarantees for Ukraine., as well as active participation in its reconstruction.

And in response to those who may argue that Greece is applying «double standards» by supporting Israel while condemning Russia, I must emphasize that the comparison is unfortunate and unfounded.

The invasion of Ukraine constitutes a flagrant violation of the territorial integrity of an independent state and a direct violation of international law, while in the case of Israel, this is an anti-terrorism campaign, which, although accompanied by actions that cause international concern, constitutes a legally different situation.

Greece's stance towards Israel mainly concerns defense cooperation and does not negate its long-standing position in favor of a two-state solution and the protection of Palestinian rights. Consequently, Greece's stance on Ukraine is not selective, but is based on principles that would apply to anyone who violated international law.

In conclusion, faced with this multifaceted threat, Greece must not remain passive and inactive, but must immediately strengthen its resilience at every level against any attempt at external influence.

The response cannot be limited to government statements or denials, but requires a comprehensive national security strategy that combines public awareness, the cultivation of critical thinking in the face of misinformation, and mechanisms for rapid response to information attacks.

The shielding of society, Strengthening the state's strategic communication and close cooperation with Euro-Atlantic partners are crucial pillars for countering Russian influence.

Greece must promote a holistic approach that combines institutional vigilance, public awareness, and collective strategic consciousness., in order to ensure its stable orientation towards NATO and the European Union, protect its sovereign rights and strengthen its social cohesion against any attempts at manipulation.

Therefore, Strengthening resilience to disinformation is not only a matter of security, but also a matter of institutional and national responsibility..

Author of the article:

Constantine Balomenos

Political Scientist – International Relations Specialist
Former Director General - Directorate General
National Defense and International Relations Policy (GDPAAD)
Ministry of National Defense (YPETHA)