President Nikos Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’ solidarity with Ukraine during his meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv, marking the first official visit of a Cypriot head of state to the country. The two leaders discussed a wide range of issues, underscoring the evolving Cyprus Ukraine relations amid ongoing conflict and shifting European dynamics.
Cyprus’ stance: “We know what invasion and occupation mean”
In his remarks, Christodoulides stressed that Cyprus supports Ukraine without hesitation.
“I am here today to publicly reiterate that Cyprus, which knows from first-hand experience what invasion and occupation mean — what it means to have refugees, missing persons, and violations of basic human rights — stands firmly by Ukraine, on the right side of history, and will continue to do so with consistency, credibility and clear political will,” he said.
“Our voice joins yours, without exception or ambiguity, in calling for full respect of international law, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states.”
#ΤΩΡΑ Δηλώσεις Προέδρου 🇨🇾@PresidentCYP @Christodulides και του 🇺🇦Προέδρου της Ουκρανίας @ZelenskyyUa .
— Λετυμπιώτης Κων/νος (@letymbiotis) December 4, 2025
🇨🇾@PresidentCYP @Christodulides:
“Είμαι συνεπώς σήμερα εδώ για να επαναλάβω δημόσια ότι η #Κύπρος, που γνωρίζει από πρώτο χέρι τι σημαίνει εισβολή και κατοχή, τί σημαίνει… pic.twitter.com/SphVaC8OLA
Zelensky thanks Cyprus, looks ahead to EU accession progress
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, President Zelensky expressed deep appreciation for Cyprus’ steady political support for Ukraine’s European path.
He noted that the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026 could become “a historic milestone” for the opening of Ukraine’s EU accession chapters.
“We hope the coming months will bring further progress on our road to the EU. The Cypriot Presidency may prove historic for launching accession chapters and other critical decisions,” he said.
A historic first visit
Zelensky highlighted the significance of Christodoulides’ visit, calling it a strong symbol of support.
“I consider this an expression of our shared will to work together for the benefit of both countries and all of Europe,” he added.
Talks on war developments, peace efforts, and European cooperation
During their discussions, the two leaders reviewed:
- the situation on the front line and inside Ukraine
- Kyiv’s strategic priorities
- cooperation with European partners on negotiation processes
Cyprus supports EU sanctions and efforts against Russia’s shadow fleet
Zelensky thanked Cyprus for its commitment to implementing EU sanctions against Russia.
He stressed the importance of strengthening the next sanctions package to increase pressure on Russia’s energy sector and other revenue sources enabling it “to continue the war”.
He also praised Cyprus’ cooperation with Ukraine in addressing Russia’s “shadow fleet” and sanction-evasion mechanisms.
Frozen assets and humanitarian issues
The Ukrainian president reiterated the view that Russia must pay for the war it launched.
“We count on Cyprus’ support for joint European decisions regarding frozen Russian assets. It is only fair to use them for defence and reconstruction,” he said.
Zelensky also thanked Cyprus for backing the recent UN General Assembly resolution on the abducted Ukrainian children, noting that humanitarian cooperation “must continue”.
He stressed the ongoing need to work towards the release of Ukrainian prisoners of war and civilians detained since 2014.
The meeting concludes a significant moment for Cyprus Ukraine relations, setting expectations for deeper cooperation ahead of Cyprus assuming the EU presidency in 2026.
Also read: Christodoulides Kyiv visit: EU presidency and Ukraine support
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