Thanos Dokos, Greece’s National Security Advisor, gave his account of a video call with the notorious Russian pranksters Vovan & Lexus during an interview on SKAI TV on Friday evening, 3 July 2026. The incident — which has sparked political controversy and raised serious questions about security protocols — involved Dokos believing he was speaking live with his Ukrainian counterpart.
A Routine Check — Then a Red Flag
Dokos said standard verification procedures were followed before the call. He noted that he had spoken in person with the Ukrainian official just one week earlier, and several open issues remained on the agenda — making the follow-up call seem legitimate. At first, nothing appeared suspicious: he saw his interlocutor reacting in real time to what he was saying.
“They stole both my voice and my image. That’s what’s alarming,” Dokos stated, describing what the government believes was a sophisticated deepfake operation using advanced artificial intelligence tools. He emphasized that his mobile device is secured and runs updated security software, adding that Greece had already strengthened its communication protocols following similar incidents reported abroad.
The Drone Detail Raised Doubts
The only element that gave Dokos pause, he said, was his interlocutor’s unusual insistence on discussing a Ukrainian drone reportedly operating near the island of Lefkada. According to Dokos, the impostor claimed — despite clear warnings from Athens — that Ukrainian actors might attempt similar operations near Greek islands. Dokos stressed that everything he said during the call reflected Greece’s official position, underscoring that diplomacy isn’t just about words, but also about how messages are framed and delivered.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Immediately after the call ended, Dokos contacted Greece’s National Intelligence Service (EYP). He then placed a follow-up call to the real Ukrainian official under a pretext — and only then realized he had not been speaking with him. He explained that Greek officials are accustomed to connectivity issues when communicating with Kyiv due to the ongoing war — a factor that initially lowered his guard.
Protocol Review Underway
Dokos confirmed that a full review of secure communication protocols has already begun. “Next time, we’ll be protected,” he said — though he cautioned that predicting adversaries’ next moves in AI-driven deception remains inherently difficult. He admitted the incident caught him off guard. “I felt terrible — because now, you can’t even trust your own eyes,” he said.
He also confirmed informing Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who expressed concern. Dokos noted that the prime minister is well aware of emerging technological threats and their implications for national security.