The continuation and strengthening of European support for Ukraine is a top priority for the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Cypriot President Nicos Christodoulides stressed in Kyiv following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Zelensky, for his part, linked Christodoulides’ visit to the Ukrainian capital—just weeks before Cyprus takes over the EU Council Presidency—to Nicosia’s willingness to work “for the good of the EU” and to support Ukraine’s path towards EU membership.

“A country that knows what invasion means”

In joint statements, Christodoulides spoke of “feelings of honour and responsibility” during his visit to Kyiv, emphasizing that he had come not only to express solidarity, but also to personally honour Zelensky and the Ukrainian people for their resilience in the face of “a brutal and unprovoked invasion.”

He made direct reference to the Cyprus issue, noting that Cyprus knows first-hand what invasion, missing persons, refugees, and human rights violations mean. He underlined that Nicosia “stands by Ukraine, on the right side of history,” and will continue to do so “with consistency, credibility, and clear political will.”

He added that Ukraine’s struggle is not only national but is tied to defending universal principles and values—principles the Cyprus Presidency is committed to promoting and safeguarding at the European level.

Enlargement and Ukraine’s European path

The central topic of discussion between the two presidents was the next steps in EU-Ukraine relations, with Cyprus assuming the EU Council Presidency in 26 days.

Christodoulides described EU enlargement not just as a political choice but as a “geopolitical necessity,” noting that the Cyprus Presidency will work to advance accession processes and to strengthen Europe’s collective security and democratic resilience.

On Ukraine, he assured that Nicosia “will do whatever is necessary” to keep its European perspective strong on the Union’s agenda. He recalled that Cyprus, a small state that joined the EU under geopolitical pressure and threats, understands what it means to pursue a European path in times of uncertainty.

“Pretentious neutrals” and frozen Russian assets

Regarding EU sanctions on Russia, Christodoulides said the measures would be “clearly more effective” if there were no states acting as “pretentious neutrals” and exploiting Ukraine’s tragedy to promote their own interests—a comment widely understood as referring to Turkey.

Zelensky highlighted the importance of the new EU sanctions package under preparation, especially measures targeting the Russian energy sector, as a way to prevent the prolongation of the war.

He also stressed the need for Russia to pay for Ukraine’s reconstruction, noting that the funds required for defence and recovery must come from frozen Russian assets in European banks. He recalled that Cyprus was among the member states supporting this decision and said he was confident Nicosia would continue on the same path.

Ukrainian refugees and shared experience of occupation

Christodoulides placed particular emphasis on the human dimension, noting that Cyprus currently hosts around 25,000 Ukrainian refugees—a significant number relative to the island’s population. He also mentioned that a Ukrainian community existed in Cyprus even before the Russian invasion, and that it has since grown, becoming a bridge of cooperation between the two countries.

Drawing a parallel between Ukraine and Cyprus, he stressed that both peoples know what military invasion and occupation truly mean. “Our voice joins yours—without exceptions, without ambiguity—for the absolute respect of international law and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states,” he said, sending a simultaneous message on the Cyprus problem.

The Cypriot President briefed Zelensky on efforts to restart talks on resolving the Cyprus issue and publicly expressed his gratitude for Ukraine’s long-standing support for Cyprus’ reunification.

Zelensky thanked Cyprus for its support for Ukraine’s EU path and expressed hope that the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU would prove “historic” for Ukraine’s accession prospects.

He referred in detail to joint EU decisions on sanctions, the importance of unity against Russian aggression, and the unresolved issue of thousands of children and other citizens detained or abducted by Russia. He said they are scattered across various regions of Russian territory, where “they are being taught to hate Ukraine,” calling for full international mobilization on this matter.

“We will continue to act as a unifying force with our desire to achieve peace,” Zelensky said, ending his remarks with “Long live Ukraine”—a moment of clear symbolic significance ahead of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.