The UK’s foreign secretary, Yvette Cooper, called for progress on mobilizing Russia’s frozen sovereign assets to support Ukraine during a brief visit to Athens on Thursday, saying Moscow remained intent on escalating its war rather than pursuing peace.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, Cooper said it was clear that while U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were seeking peace, Russian President Vladimir Putin was continuing to push conflict.
“That is why it is so important to make progress on mobilizing the Russian sovereign assets in order to be able to support Ukraine and also to be able to put increased pressure on Russia to properly bring them to the table and pursue peace,” Cooper said.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis welcomes British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, prior to their talks in Athens, Greece, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Russian assets and Chelsea sale proceeds
Cooper pointed to the British government’s announcement on Wednesday that it had put legal steps in place to seize proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club. She said this gave Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich the opportunity to honor his commitment, made three years ago, to support humanitarian efforts for the people of Ukraine.
First UK foreign secretary visit since 2017
The visit marked the first trip by a British foreign secretary to Athens since April 2017, when Boris Johnson held talks there shortly before the UK left the European Union. Cooper stressed the importance of international alliances, saying the UK was stronger through partnerships built abroad that also reinforced security and prosperity at home.
Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis holds a meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and Greek Minister for Migration and Asylum Thanos Plevris, at his office in Athens, Greece, December 18, 2025. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
Gerapetritis described the visit as symbolically important and underlined the deep historical, cultural and economic ties between Greece and the United Kingdom. He highlighted the role of the Greek diaspora and shipping community in the UK, as well as British visitors to Greece, as enduring links between the two countries.
Security, NATO and defense cooperation
Both sides discussed security challenges within NATO, including strategic priorities and the fairer distribution of defense burdens. Gerapetritis said Greece considered it essential that any defense agreements with third countries include a clear obligation that military equipment not be used against allied nations.
They also exchanged views on the United Nations and the importance of multilateralism at a time of increasing geopolitical instability, as well as on strengthening relations between the EU and the UK.
Ukraine, Gaza and Cyprus
On Ukraine, Gerapetritis said Greece would continue to support all initiatives aimed at ending the war and achieving a sustainable peace that safeguards Ukraine’s sovereignty and includes credible security guarantees.
The two ministers agreed on the need to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and ensure large-scale humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians. Greece reaffirmed its support for reform of the Palestinian Authority as a prerequisite for restarting a political process toward a two-state solution.
They also discussed the Cyprus issue, stressing the importance of using the current diplomatic momentum, advancing confidence-building measures and supporting efforts by the UN Secretary-General and his envoy toward a comprehensive settlement in line with UN resolutions.
Migration and bilateral ties
Migration was another key topic, with Greece and the UK agreeing to launch a structured bilateral dialogue to coordinate efforts against irregular migration, migrant smuggling and to improve returns. Greece outlined its strict but fair migration policy and emphasized the need for greater international cooperation and solidarity.
The talks also covered ways to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, tourism and culture. Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s longstanding request for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, saying discussions were ongoing with the British Museum.
