Cyprus’ support for Ukraine is not a political gesture but a commitment to fundamental principles and “the right side of history,” Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said at an event in Nicosia marking Ukraine’s Day of Dignity and Freedom.
Ioannou noted that Cyprus has channelled significant financial assistance to Kyiv through EU frameworks and international mechanisms, alongside deliveries of medical supplies, equipment and pharmaceuticals to meet urgent needs. He underlined that Cyprus remains among the EU countries that have, proportionally, hosted the largest number of Ukrainians: roughly 24,000 people, close to 2.5% of the island’s population.
Beyond emergency shelter, more than €39 million was allocated in the first two years of the war to provide accommodation, while programmes offer language classes, psychological support, legal services and tailored assistance for families, children and older people.
Cyprus is also contributing to Ukraine’s long-term recovery through mine-action expertise. Drawing on its long experience in demining, the Republic has completed four full training cycles for Ukrainian deminers, most recently in May, work the minister called essential for safe returns and restoring essential services.
“As Cyprus prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the EU, we reaffirm our commitment to a strong and united Europe that stands firmly with Ukraine,” Ioannou said, adding that Ukraine’s security is inseparable from Europe’s and that Nicosia supports keeping Kyiv’s EU membership path credible and open.
Source: CNA