A central point of reference for Cyprus EU presidency will, by necessity, be the Ukrainian issue. The Russian invasion of Ukraine could never be relegated on the agenda of the Cypriot presidency, and this was evident from the outset. The presence of the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, in Nicosia Wednesday for the launch of the presidency underscored the intensification of the EU’s efforts to secure a framework for resolving the conflict.
From the very first moments of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Europe’s most pressing challenge, the ongoing four‑year Russian invasion of Ukraine, has emerged as a central point of reference and action for the Cypriot presidency. Indicatively, even before yesterday’s official launch of the presidency, Nicosia became the focal point of yet another meeting between the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, and EU officials.
Guarantees for Kyiv
President Zelensky’s meetings in Nicosia highlighted the need for all issues concerning the European Union’s involvement in peace efforts for Ukraine to move forward, as well as the need to secure all necessary guarantees for Kyiv regarding military and economic support from European leaders. The Ukrainian President expressed hope that “many steps forward” would be taken in the coming six months, implying that the entire framework must focus on safeguarding the fundamental parameters that form the cornerstone of Ukraine’s independence and territorial integrity.
Zelensky’s presence in Nicosia gave the Republic of Cyprus the opportunity to express its support and solidarity with Ukraine and its people through meetings with the President of the Republic and with Archbishop Georgios. At the same time, the quadrilateral meeting involving President Christodoulides, the President of the European Council António Costa, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and the Ukrainian President underscored the political centre of gravity and the orientation of the current EU presidency.
The bilateral meeting between the President of the Republic and the Ukrainian President followed Christodoulides’s recent visit to Kyiv. During Zelensky’s first visit to Cyprus, the expectations of the Cypriot presidency regarding the Ukrainian issue were also set out.
“We are very pleased to have you here on this very important day for Cyprus,” President Christodoulides said, welcoming his Ukrainian counterpart. “It seems we have many positive developments and I look forward to your briefing on the latest situation and on what we can do as the Presidency of the Council of the EU to support the efforts of the United States and the international community for a peace agreement.”
Unwavering support
Nicosia’s stance was also reflected in a post by the President on X, where he described his meeting with the Ukrainian President as highly substantive. “Cyprus reaffirms its firm and unwavering support for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine,” he wrote, noting that “Cyprus, as a country that continues to experience the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing occupation, fully understands what is at stake”.
He reiterated that “Ukraine is a central priority of the Cypriot presidency and every effort will be made to ensure the continuation of the EU’s multifaceted support at all levels.” He concluded by stating that “Cyprus stands firmly by Ukraine for a just and sustainable peace, fully based on the United Nations Charter and with absolute respect for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Meeting with Archbishop Georgios
The Church of Cyprus also expressed its support for the Ukrainian people during President Zelensky’s meeting with Archbishop Georgios at the Archbishopric. Welcoming the Ukrainian President, the Archbishop expressed hope that God would help Ukraine and its people, saying that “it is the belief of Orthodox Christians that God loves justice. He may test us, but we believe that help will eventually come.” He also noted that he maintains communication with Metropolitan Epiphanius of Kyiv.
President Zelensky thanked the Archbishop warmly for the meeting and for the invitation to visit the Archbishopric. “And thank you for remembering Ukraine and Ukrainians so warmly. You also remember your own visits to Ukraine,” he said. Zelensky stressed that the Archbishop’s support is extremely important, especially during wartime, and invited him to visit Kyiv so they could meet again there.