06.07.2026 01:30
The prank call by Russian comedians Vovan & Lexus, posing as a "Ukrainian official," to Greece's National Security General Secretary Thanos Dokos, has stirred up Athens politics. After the release of a video meeting where state secrets and strategic issues were allegedly discussed, former Prime Minister Samaras and main opposition parties pressured the government demanding Dokos's resignation.
The Russian comedy duo known for trapping many world leaders and top-level bureaucrats, "Vovan & Lexus," have this time caused a major scandal in Greece's security bureaucracy. Calling Greek National Security General Secretary Thanos Dokos by phone and introducing themselves as Ukrainian officials, the Russian pranksters sparked a political earthquake in Athens.
A 12-MINUTE VIDEO CALL WITH AN EMAIL AND MAKEUP
The Russian comedians known as "Vovan & Lexus," Vladimir Kuznetsov and Alexei Stolyarov, convinced Thanos Dokos, whom they contacted via a fake Gmail account, that they were Rustem Umerov, the Secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council.
Using makeup and simple methods, the duo held an approximately 12-minute online video meeting with Dokos and released the recording. In the recording, Dokos was seen making assessments on sensitive topics such as the war in Ukraine, the NATO Summit, and the foreign contacts of the head of the Greek National Intelligence Service (EYP).
THE GREEK GOVERNMENT SAID "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE" BUT...
Although the Greek government described the incident as "a hybrid attack carried out using advanced artificial intelligence technology" and argued that no state secrets were leaked, the Russian comedians denied this claim. Speaking to Mega TV, the duo mocked Athens, saying, "If a national security general secretary can be reached with a Gmail account, there is a problem with security procedures. We are sorry for your country's security protocols."
MAIN OPPOSITION PASOK: MUST BE IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM OFFICE
Following the scandal breaking, the Greek opposition launched a fierce barrage against the government. The main opposition Panhellenic Socialist Movement (PASOK) stated that the government was trying to cover up the incident with the "hybrid attack" excuse. Demanding the immediate disclosure of what other classified information was leaked after the call, PASOK emphasized that removing Dokos from his post is now the only option.
RADICAL LEFT ALLIANCE (SYRIZA): GOVERNMENT HAS BECOME AN ELEMENT OF INSECURITY
The Radical Left Alliance Party (SYRIZA) stated that the government's frequently touted "security" rhetoric has collapsed. Pointing out a serious vulnerability in the state mechanism, SYRIZA officials said, "The government came to power promising to provide security, but today it is turning into an element of insecurity for the country," and called for political responsibility to be assumed.
COMMUNIST PARTY OF GREECE: RISKS OF INVOLVEMENT IN WAR
The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) also argued that the scandal clearly reveals the security risks created by Athens' policy of involvement in the war in Ukraine. Stating that Dokos showed "understanding" for Ukraine's war activities during the call, the KKE alleged that the government is pushing the country into a dangerous process.
FORMER PRIME MINISTER SAMARAS' SHARP ONE-LINE CRITICISM
One of the most notable reactions to the government came from within its own ranks, from former Prime Minister Antonis Samaras. Reacting to the security vulnerability and the government's silence, Samaras made a brief and clear statement, asking, "Is Mr. Dokos still in his position?", and sharply criticized the government's dismissive attitude towards the incident.
The Athens administration announced that a new cyber and bureaucratic security program has been launched to strengthen communication security in order to repair its shaken image.