Cyprus’ assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union was marked on Thursday evening by a phone call between President Nikos Christodoulides and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, underscoring Nicosia’s intention to place Ukraine high on its European agenda.
First call of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, with President @Zelenskyyua.
— NikosChristodoulides (@Christodulides) January 1, 2026
We discussed the latest developments in the efforts for a lasting and viable peace, following the meeting with President Trump and ahead of the meetings next week in Europe.
We also…
The conversation focused on the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a “lasting and viable peace” in Ukraine. The discussion followed Zelenskiy’s recent meeting with US President Donald Trump and comes ahead of a series of international meetings on the war expected in the coming days.
“We also discussed the roadmap we have set out for Ukraine during the Cyprus presidency,” Christodoulides said, stressing that support for Ukraine will be among the core priorities of Cyprus’ six-month term. He confirmed that Zelenskiy is expected to attend the official opening ceremony of the presidency in Nicosia on Wednesday.
Zelenskiy welcomes Cypriot priorities
In his own statement, Zelenskiy said he congratulated Christodoulides on the start of Cyprus’ presidency and expressed confidence that the coming months would deliver “strong decisions that will strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe”.
“It is important that Ukraine is among the key priorities of the Cypriot presidency,” Zelenskiy said, adding that Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union is a key security guarantee for his country. He noted that Kyiv continues to take all necessary steps to advance its European path.
Zelenskiy also said he briefed the Cypriot president on recent contacts with US officials and on the broader diplomatic landscape, describing peace efforts as “practically around the clock”.
“I thank Cyprus and the entire Cypriot people for their support,” he said, expressing appreciation for Christodoulides’ remarks in support of Ukraine.
Coalition meeting in France
Later on Thursday, Zelenskiy announced that a meeting of the so-called “Coalition of the willing” will be held in France on Tuesday. The group brings together more than 30 countries that have pledged support for Ukraine.
The coalition includes 24 EU member states – all except Hungary, Malta and Slovakia – as well as Australia, Canada, Iceland, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Turkey and the United Kingdom.
Cyprus reiterates its stance
Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said the call reaffirmed the Republic of Cyprus’ “steadfast and enduring commitment” to Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and right to self-determination.
He added that this position is rooted in the same principles that guide Cyprus’ own foreign policy, noting that the country continues to live with the consequences of “illegal invasion and ongoing occupation”.
The exchange sets the tone for Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, signalling that developments in Ukraine and broader European security will remain firmly at the top of the agenda in the months ahead.