President Christodoulides linked Ukraine’s territorial integrity to Cyprus’s experience under Turkish occupation during three recent European Union videoconferences aimed at fostering a peaceful resolution in Ukraine.
Christodoulides emphasised key principles such as sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of Ukraine, drawing from Cyprus’s prolonged struggle with illegal Turkish occupation, which has seen 37% of its territory under foreign control for over 51 years.
In his remarks, the Cypriot president articulated concerns regarding potential repercussions for Cyprus stemming from developments in Ukraine and any agreements reached with Russia. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis reported Christodoulides stating, “Any solution must be based on full respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.” He added that Cyprus’s historical context highlights the necessity of defending these principles without concessions.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of border inviolability and expressing approval of US intentions to provide security guarantees, reiterating Greece’s commitment to maintaining border integrity.
The series of videoconferences featured engagements among members of the European People’s Party and the Coalition of the Willing, continuing discussions from a previous session. EU leaders were briefed on a significant meeting between Ukraine’s President and the US President, leading to in-depth discussions on the situation.
Cyprus reaffirmed its steadfast support for Ukraine’s fight for freedom and the restoration of its territorial integrity, with Christodoulides linking the island’s experiences as a member state under occupation to Europe’s broader struggle against oppressive policies and revisionism that threaten peace.
European Council President Antonio Costa remarked on the EU’s continued commitment to supporting efforts towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, emphasising that Russia must cease hostilities as an initial step. Costa stated, “Ukraine was – and will remain – at the top of leaders’ agendas in coming weeks and months as we continue supporting efforts for just and sustainable peace.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted progress made in discussions surrounding peace efforts in Ukraine, particularly regarding strong security guarantees aimed at halting violence, lifting sanctions, and addressing humanitarian concerns such as the return of abducted children.
At the EPP leaders’ summit, DISY party president Annita Demetriou participated via videoconference, reinforcing the importance of unity and adherence to principles concerning developments in Ukraine following high-level meetings in Alaska and Washington.
