Kyiv: The continuation of the EU’s multifaceted support for Ukraine is a key priority of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, told the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in their joint statements after their meeting in Kyiv. President Zelensky thanked Cyprus for its support in the negotiations for Ukraine’s EU accession and for voting in favour of the decision to use Russian funds for Ukraine.
According to Cyprus News Agency, President Christodoulides expressed his visit to Kyiv as an honour and responsibility, emphasizing Cyprus’ solidarity and support for Ukraine. He commended President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for their resilience in the face of the Russian invasion, noting that Ukraine’s struggle upholds universal principles and values. The President affirmed Cyprus’ commitment to promoting and safeguarding these principles during its upcoming EU Council Presidency.
President Christodoulides reiterated Cyprus’ stance on standing with Ukraine, emphasizing Cyprus’ understanding of invasion, missing persons, and human rights violations. He discussed strengthening bilateral relations with Ukraine and the prospects of further cooperation, highlighting the significant Ukrainian community in Cyprus, including around 25,000 refugees hosted since the invasion.
The Presidents engaged in discussions about the war’s developments and international peace efforts. President Christodoulides stressed that any peace agreement must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, involving active participation from Ukraine and the EU.
President Christodoulides noted the EU’s support for Ukraine through sanctions against Russia, emphasizing the need to confront states exploiting the situation for their own interests. He also informed President Zelensky about Cyprus’ efforts to resume negotiations regarding its own territorial integrity and expressed gratitude for Ukraine’s support.
The discussions included EU-Ukraine relations ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency. President Christodoulides emphasized the geopolitical necessity of EU enlargement and Cyprus’ commitment to promoting this process, particularly regarding Ukraine’s European perspective.
President Christodoulides concluded by reaffirming Cyprus’ unwavering support for Ukraine’s EU membership efforts, drawing parallels with Cyprus’ own experiences of invasion and occupation. President Zelensky expressed appreciation for Cyprus’ support, especially as Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency.
President Zelensky discussed the European agenda, sanctions policy against Russia, and the necessity for Russia to finance Ukraine’s reconstruction. He acknowledged Cyprus’ support in voting for the return of Russian funds to Ukraine and emphasized the importance of global support for Ukrainians held by Russia.