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Cypriot lawmakers met on Tuesday with a visiting Ukrainian delegation of former prisoners of war, reaffirming Nicosia’s continued support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
The talks were led by Harris Georgiades, chairman of the House Foreign and European Affairs Committee, along with committee member Averof Neophytou. According to a parliamentary announcement, the Ukrainian delegation included former Kherson mayor Volodymyr Mykolaienko and UNIAN journalist Dmytro Khilyuk. Yulia Pavliuk, head of the Ukrainian regional centre of the Coordinating Staff for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, also attended.
The delegation is in Cyprus for events organised by Ukraine’s embassy marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s invasion.
During the meeting, Cypriot MPs reiterated the Republic’s clear backing for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and expressed solidarity with the country’s leadership and citizens. Georgiades said Cyprus’ position reflects not only its long-standing respect for international law but also its own experience with occupation, referring to Turkey’s continued control of part of the island and the unresolved issue of missing persons.
Ukrainian representatives briefed the committee on developments concerning prisoners of war, a matter connected to ongoing peace talks between Kyiv and Moscow. They stressed that Ukraine continues to face serious obstacles in obtaining reliable information about captured personnel.
Members of the delegation also recounted their experiences in Russian captivity and described efforts to raise global awareness of the issue. They voiced strong concern about the severe conditions faced daily by civilians in Kherson and other frontline cities.
Georgiades expressed hope for progress on the humanitarian issue and for movement in the peace process, adding that Europe must remain united and determined in supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
