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Greco-Russian relations are the bilateral foreign relations between Greece and Russia. The two countries first entered into diplomatic relations in 1828. Both Greece and Russia are members of international organizations and agreements, including the United Nations, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, and the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation.
Relations between the governments of the two states deteriorated since the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation in 2014, when Greece condemned Russian intervention and refused to recognize Crimea as part of Russia.[1] In the summer of 2018 relations deteriorated even further.[2] Since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine political relations hit a historic low since Russian independence.[3]
Before the Russian Invasion of Ukraine Greeks were split in their opinion of Russia. A poll in 2018 found that 52% viewed Russia positively. However the Russian Invasion of Ukraine severely damaged Russia's image in Greece. As of 2024, only 28% of Greeks have a favorable view of Russia, while 70% have a negative opinion.[4]
Greece has an Embassy in Moscow, and three Consulates General: in Moscow,[5] in Saint Petersburg and in Novorossiysk. Russia has an embassy in Athens, and a Consulate General in Thessaloniki.[6]
See also: Greek Plan, Orlov revolt, Filiki Eteria, Greeks in Russia and Greek Operation of the NKVD. Pontic Greeks historically inhabited the northern coast of the Black Sea and Crimea, the latter of which was incorporated into the Russian Empire in the latter half of the 18th century.
During the early years of the Kievan Rus', Vladimir the Great of what is now Russia and Ukraine sent out various missionaries to study different faiths that would suit the country, and most crucially, for him. One of his missionaries travelled to the Byzantine Empire and experienced enlightenment for themselves as they had come across Eastern Orthodoxy being practised in now modern-day Greece. The missionary described it as being Heaven on Land. This began the very first ties and cultural similarities between Russia and Greece.
Russia assisted the Greeks against the Ottoman rule prior to and during the Greek War of Independence that broke out in 1821. Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first Governor of the First Hellenic Republic, had previously served as Russia's foreign minister. The Russian Empire established diplomatic ties with the Greek State on 6