The Republic of Cyprus’ readiness to actively contribute to advancing Ukraine’s European path and to safeguarding the principles of international law was expressed by President Nikos Christodoulides to his Ukrainian counterpart, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a telephone conversation on Thursday, according to a written statement by Government Spokesperson, Konstantinos Letymbiotis. He also said that President Zelenskyy will attend the official opening ceremony of the Presidency, which will take place in Nicosia on January 7.

On his part, in a post on X, President Zelenskyy said that he congratulated President Christodoulides on the start of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union and noted that Ukraine counts on strong decisions that will strengthen the country and Europe as a whole, over the next six months.

According to the Government Spokesperson, President Christodoulides held a telephone conversation on Thursday afternoon with President Zelenskyy at the latter’s initiative, “at a moment of particular political significance,” as the Republic of Cyprus officially assumes the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, “confirming its role as a member state that consistently serves European values and principles.”

During the conversation, he said, President Zelenskyy congratulated President Christodoulides on Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU and informed him that he will attend the official handover ceremony.

“At the same time, the Ukrainian President briefed President Christodoulides on the latest developments and the international peace efforts being undertaken to resolve the Ukrainian issue,” the statement added.

“President Christodoulides reiterated the Republic of Cyprus’ firm and longstanding commitment to supporting the Ukrainian people, Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and free will, emphasizing that this stance stems from the same values and principles that guide the Republic of Cyprus, which itself is experiencing the tragic consequences of an illegal invasion and ongoing occupation,” the Spokesperson said.

“He also stressed that support for Ukraine will be a key political priority during Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the European Union, expressing the Republic of Cyprus’ readiness to actively contribute, through specific initiatives and actions, to advancing Ukraine’s European path and to safeguarding the principles of international law,” the statement concluded.

Zelenskyy said, in his post on X, that he congratulated President Christodoulides for the start of the Cyprus EU Presidency, noting that “we count on strong decisions that will strengthen Ukraine and all of Europe over the next six months.”

“It is important that Ukraine is among the key priorities during the Cypriot presidency,” he said, adding that Ukraine’s membership in the European Union “is one of the security guarantees for us, and for our part we are always doing everything necessary”.

He added that he shared the latest details of his contacts with American partners and the overall diplomatic situation. “The work to achieve peace is practically around the clock, there can be no pauses,” Zelenskyy said. He also thanked Cyprus and the entire Cypriot people for their support and President Christodoulides “for such warm words” about Ukrainians and Ukraine.