Newsroom
Cyprus will put Ukraine at the top of its agenda when it takes over the EU presidency next year, President Nikos Christodoulides said during a visit to Kyiv.
Standing alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Christodoulides promised continued EU support for Ukraine, from sanctions on Russia to defense aid, recovery funding, and pushing forward Ukraine’s EU accession. “Standing by Ukraine is not just the right side of history, it is key to European security and unity,” he said.
Christodoulides drew on Cyprus’ own experience with occupation and displacement, saying the island understands what Ukraine is going through. “We will stand firmly with you as you pursue your European path,” he said.
The leaders discussed the ongoing war, peace efforts, and sanctions. Christodoulides stressed that any agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve Ukraine itself, alongside the EU. Zelensky welcomed the visit as a sign of Cyprus’ unwavering support and thanked the island for backing EU membership talks.
They also addressed Russia’s frozen assets, which Zelensky said should fund Ukraine’s recovery, and the ongoing plight of people detained by Russia, including children being scattered and indoctrinated. “We need the full support of the whole world. Long live Ukraine,” he said.
