Newsroom
He called him a “clown” and told him to “go home," and that was just the start.
A furious social media post by Mario Matsakis erupted after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke at the ceremony marking the launch of Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, accusing the Ukrainian leader of ignoring Cyprus’ own unresolved wound: Turkey’s occupation of the island.
Matsakis, a forensic pathologist and former European lawmaker, said Zelensky made no mention of Cyprus while focusing solely on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and repeatedly appealing for European support. That silence, he argued, was not accidental but deeply offensive.
In blunt language, Matsakis accused Zelensky of hypocrisy, saying it was unacceptable for him to seek solidarity while failing to acknowledge another EU member state living under military occupation. By avoiding any reference to Turkey, Matsakis said, Zelensky was effectively “letting Ankara off the hook.”
The remarks quickly drew attention online, with Matsakis also questioning why Zelensky was invited to the event at all and why he was given a platform during a ceremony meant to highlight Cyprus’ role and priorities within the European Union.
