cyprus ukraine — cyprus ukraine — Cyprus will actively support Ukraine’s European perspective during its upcoming EU Council presidency in 2026, according to President Nikos Christodoulides. Speaking in Kyiv after a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Christodoulides expressed his nation’s solidarity, stating that Cyprus “stands on the right side of history.”
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
During their discussions on Thursday, Christodoulides highlighted the deep understanding Cyprus has regarding the devastation caused by invasions and human rights violations, drawing parallels with Ukraine’s current plight. He emphasised Cyprus’s commitment to stand beside Ukraine with “consistency, credibility and clear political will.”
Christodoulides reiterated this stance, stating, “Today I am here to repeat once more publicly that Cyprus, which knows firsthand what invasion means, what missing persons mean, what refugees mean, what violation of basic human rights means, stands beside Ukraine.” His remarks reflect a shared commitment to uphold international law and support Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The conversation also covered bilateral relations and the potential for enhanced cooperation, particularly leveraging the significant Ukrainian community in Cyprus. Since the onset of the Russian invasion, approximately 25,000 Ukrainian refugees have found refuge in Cyprus, a notable number given the island’s population.
In their frank dialogue, the two leaders addressed the ongoing consequences of the Russian invasion and explored international efforts aimed at achieving a peace agreement. Christodoulides conveyed Cyprus’s position, which aligns with that of the EU, that any peace negotiations must respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
“Ukraine’s security is directly linked to the security of the European Union,” Christodoulides asserted, underlining the importance of a unified front. He also commented on the efficacy of EU sanctions against Russia, while calling out those states that exploit the situation for their own gain. “We must confront those states that repeatedly exploit the tragedy the Ukrainian people are going through to promote their own interests,” he remarked.
Additionally, Christodoulides updated Zelenskyy on the ongoing efforts regarding the Cyprus issue, highlighting the shared experiences between the Cypriot and Ukrainian peoples in facing military invasions and occupations. He assured Zelenskyy that Cyprus fully understands the struggles faced by the Ukrainian population.
On the topic of EU enlargement, Christodoulides articulated his belief that it is not merely a political choice but a geopolitical necessity. He pledged that during Cyprus’s presidency, efforts would be made to advance the EU enlargement process, which he believes will bolster collective security and democratic resilience.
“For Ukraine specifically, we will do what is necessary to maintain and strengthen the country’s European perspective on the EU agenda, repeating, strengthening this dynamic,” he stated. Zelenskyy responded with gratitude, acknowledging Cyprus’s support for Ukraine’s EU accession negotiations and expressing hope that the upcoming presidency could mark a pivotal moment for Ukraine.
The Ukrainian president also thanked Cyprus for its backing regarding decisions for Russia to fund Ukraine’s defence and recovery efforts. He raised concerns about the thousands of Ukrainian children reportedly taken to Russia and subjected to anti-Ukrainian indoctrination.
