A senior Greek official has become the latest victim of Russian pranksters, known for impersonating world leaders and high-ranking officials in elaborate hoaxes. This time, the target was Thanos Dokos, National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister.
The Russian duo, named Vovan & Lexus, later published footage of the recorded video call with Dokos.
Dokos believed he was participating in a video conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Rustem Umerov. During the conversation, the discussion also touched on the recent discovery of a Ukrainian drone off the coast of Lefkada.
During the impersonation, they suggested that a similar incident could happen again, claiming there were internal disagreements between the Ukrainian president’s office and the country’s Ministry of Defense regarding military operations against Russian targets.
For his part, Thanos Dokos expressed concern over the potential consequences of any renewed incidents in Greek waters, especially during the summer tourist season. “It is the tourist season, and there is increased maritime traffic. We understand the needs of the war, but we don’t want that war to take place in out territory or waters,” Dokos is heard saying.
He also noted that Greece is heading toward elections in the coming months and that such an incident would create “very significant problems” for the Greek government.
At the same time, he stated that a serious crisis between Greece and Ukraine could cause a rift within NATO and the European Union, stressing that Kyiv needs the support of all its allies. The issue, first revealed by Cypriot outlet Sigmalive, is expected to be addressed by Dokos in an evening appearance on SKAI TV.
PASOK calls for Dokos’ resignation
The incident brought the strong reaction from opposition party PASOK, which called for the Dokos’ resignation in an official statement.
The opposition party’s statement read that “for hours now, a video of a recorded conversation between the Secretary General for National Security, Mr. Thanos Dokos, and Russian nationals posing as Ukrainian officials has been circulating publicly. The Prime Minister’s advisor appears to share assessments regarding the timing of elections in Greece—also analyzing the impact of the Ukraine issue on them—while also sharing information about the mission of the head of the National Intelligence Service (EYP) to Kyiv.”
It continued: “Answers are required: Is the published audio-visual material authentic? Why is the government not clarifying what has happened? The government of the ‘best and brightest’ of New Democracy has been silent for hours over this unprecedented incident. The resignation of Mr. Dokos is the only way forward.”
Government terms the incident a “hybrid-type attack”
The Prime Minister’s office in Athens described the release of the conversation with Dokos, as a “hybrid-type attack.”
Government sources claimed the incident reflects a “breach of security protocols through the use of highly advanced artificial intelligence technology.”
They added that “a program is already underway to upgrade communication security in an ever-evolving environment of hybrid threats. No confidential or classified information was disclosed during the conversation.”
Officials further noted: “Similar attacks have taken place in the past against high-ranking European officials.”
Despite the discomfort caused within the Maximos Mansion, as reflected in the lack of an official public comment from the Prime Minister’s inner circle, there is no question of resignation.
At the same time, government officials pointed to similar past incidents, including one in 2022 in which Polish President Andrzej Duda believed he was speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron.
