Zelensky heads to Cyprus to attend EU Council ceremony

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend the official opening ceremony of Cyprus’s EU Council Presidency on January 7 in Nicosia, marking a rare high-profile visit at a politically significant moment for the island nation.

The announcement came during a phone call Thursday afternoon between Zelensky and Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides. The conversation, initiated by Zelensky, highlighted Cyprus’s growing role on the European stage as it officially takes over the rotating EU Council presidency.

Zelensky congratulated Christodoulides on assuming the post and briefed him on the latest developments in Ukraine, including ongoing international efforts to bring peace to the war-torn country.

Christodoulides, in turn, reaffirmed Cyprus’s steadfast support for Ukraine, emphasizing the island nation’s commitment to the country’s sovereignty, independence, and right to freely determine its future. He noted that Cyprus’s own experience with occupation and conflict strengthens its resolve to stand with Ukraine.

“Supporting Ukraine will be a key priority during our EU Council presidency,” Christodoulides said, promising that Cyprus will take concrete steps to help advance Ukraine’s European path and uphold international law.

The high-level interaction underscores Cyprus’s ambition to play a meaningful role in European diplomacy while reinforcing solidarity with Ukraine at a time when the conflict remains unresolved.