Cyprus Mail 4 December 2025 - by Charalambos Stylianou
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| President Christodoulides arrives in Kyiv by train |
President Nikos Christodoulides was welcomed in Kyiv on Thursday by President Volodymyr Zelensky, in the framework of what government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis described as a “deeply symbolic visit”.
In a post on X, Letymbiotis said Cyprus “expressed in practice its full solidarity with the people of Ukraine and sent the message of unwavering dedication to the non-negotiable principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of all states”.
“Our stance is not just one of principle, it is deeply rooted in our own experience and continuous struggle for justice and the restoration of our rights. This makes our support authentic,” he added.
Letymbiotis said “Cyprus is promoting the European priorities concerning security, unity and the strengthening of our common political will.”
He added that “Cyprus supports every sincere diplomatic effort that could lead to just and lasting peace.”
“In the context of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, enlargement will be a key priority, with Ukraine’s path towards the European family high on our agenda and its progress a goal that we will consistently support,” Letymbiotis said.
During the visit, Christodoulides will present Zelensky with a detailed set of proposals on how Cyprus intends to support Ukraine when it assumes the presidency in the first half of 2026.
Officials in Nicosia see the trip as a strategic moment. It allows Cyprus to show that its presidency will not be limited to issues in the eastern Mediterranean but will also prioritise Europe’s response to the ongoing war.
According to the Cyprus News Agency, Christodoulides will brief Zelensky on 19 proposals drawn up by the Cypriot government.
They include plans to host an informal Foreign Affairs Council in Kyiv and to organise selected EU working group meetings in Ukraine. Several proposals focus on raising the profile of the issue of abducted Ukrainian children.
Nicosia also intends to extend invitations to Zelensky for major political events during the presidency. These include the informal European Council meeting planned for April and, should he choose to attend, the opening ceremony of the Cypriot Presidency on January 7, 2026.
Another point on the agenda is the circumvention of EU sanctions imposed on Russia. Christodoulides is expected to present Zelensky with information suggesting that Turkish companies are helping to bypass restrictions.
Cyprus argues this undermines the sanctions regime and hopes Ukraine will press Turkey to address the issue.
Ukraine’s alignment with EU foreign policy is also due to be discussed, given its status as an EU candidate country. The conversation is likely to touch on Zelensky’s previous remarks about Turkey’s importance in supporting Ukraine, and how this fits with broader EU positions.
Christodoulides will ask for a fresh assessment of the situation on the ground and for insight into the recent talks held in Moscow.
The question of frozen Russian assets is also expected to feature, as EU member states examine ways to use these funds to support Ukraine. Belgium has raised objections due to the large share, around nine in ten, of assets held within its jurisdiction.
Another sensitive matter concerns 37 Cypriot citizens and 227 Cyprus-registered companies placed on Ukraine’s sanctions list.
Cypriot officials say the listings were made on the basis of claims submitted by Ukrainian authorities. Christodoulides is expected to request clarity on the process.
In Kyiv, the Cypriot president is also scheduled to meet the US Charge d’Affaires, Julie Davies.
She is expected to brief him on the latest efforts to secure progress in peace negotiations, offering Washington’s perspective as the conflict continues.
