With both political and ecclesiastical dimensions, Volodymyr Zelensky’s program in Nicosia took place on a day when Cyprus was in the spotlight as it prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The Ukrainian President first held a private meeting at the Presidential Palace with President Nikos Christodoulides, before visiting the Archdiocese, where Archbishop George expressed a positive stance toward a potential visit to Kyiv.

Ukraine a “central priority” of the Cyprus Presidency

Welcoming President Zelensky before the cameras, Nikos Christodoulides set the tone by referring to “positive developments” and expressing his expectation to be briefed on the latest diplomatic moves. He pointed in particular to efforts by the United States and the international community toward a peace agreement, as well as to the role Cyprus can play during its term as President of the Council of the EU.

President Zelensky thanked Cyprus for the invitation, congratulated the country on assuming the EU presidency, and expressed hope that “many steps forward” would be taken on Ukraine’s European path. He also referred to Cyprus’s support—especially in humanitarian assistance—and said he would brief his host on his most recent contacts with U.S. and European partners.

Following the meeting, President Christodoulides described the talks in a public social media post as “substantial and constructive,” reaffirming the Republic of Cyprus’s unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He explicitly linked this stance to Cyprus’s own experience of invasion and continued occupation.

Invitation to Archbishop George

Archbishop George welcomed President Zelensky with a public expression of solidarity with the Ukrainian people, referring to his contacts with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv. President Zelensky thanked the Archbishop for the meeting, underlining the importance of support “in times of war,” and extended an invitation for His Beatitude to visit Kyiv.

The Archbishop responded positively, noting that Ukraine should be included in the broader framework of contacts among Orthodox Churches.

The Cypriot dimension also featured in the discussions. According to statements following the meeting at the Archdiocese, the issue of the 1974 Turkish invasion was raised, with Archbishop George saying he had spoken to President Zelensky about the situation of churches in the occupied territories.