Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for firm security guarantees against any renewed Russian aggression, alongside fresh momentum on EU membership talks and tougher sanctions on Moscow, during a visit to Cyprus as the island nation assumed the EU’s rotating presidency.
After meeting Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia, Zelenskyy said on X: “We are working to make as much progress as possible during this period on opening negotiating clusters and on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union.”
He also stressed the need to reinforce Ukraine’s air defence, boost drone production and maintain sanctions on Russia “as long as Russia’s aggression and occupation continue.”
Zelenskyy thanked the EU for its humanitarian support, while Christodoulides said “we have many positive developments” and pledged to work with international partners toward a peace agreement.
Cyprus has declared unwavering backing for Ukraine during its six-month EU presidency, with Christodoulides stating the bloc must support a “just, comprehensive and lasting peace in Ukraine”.
Later, Zelenskyy joined European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa at a four-way meeting focused solely on Russia’s invasion.
Christodoulides reiterated that defending Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is a central priority of Cyprus’ presidency.
Zelenskyy travelled to Cyprus directly from Paris, where more than 30 nations in the “Coalition of the willing” agreed to deepen military and security cooperation with Kyiv, including binding commitments to support Ukraine in the event of future Russian attacks.
During his visit, Zelenskyy also met Cyprus’ Orthodox Archbishop Georgios, whose church has recognised the independence of the Church of Ukraine despite internal dissent.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine counts on “strong decisions that will strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe over the next six months,” adding that EU membership represents a crucial security guarantee for his country.
Source: Cyprus Mail.
