Brussels, Belgium. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos on Monday pledged Cyprus’ commitment to Ukraine’s “territorial integrity and sovereignty” during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the European foreign affairs council.
Talks on developments and peace efforts
Kombos said the discussions focused on “recent developments and efforts towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” in a social media post. He added that Ukraine is a “key priority” for Cyprus during its term as president of the EU Council.
EU loans and sanctions measures
Kombos said EU member states agreed last month to ensure the release of €90 billion worth of loans to Ukraine, as well as a 20th package of sanctions on Russia and those affiliated with its government.
Last month, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos said Cyprus “worked tirelessly” to ensure the release of the loans and that the disbursement of funds will “start flowing as soon as possible” to provide “vital support for Ukraine’s most pressing budgetary needs”.
Accession talks and bilateral relations
Kombos said the Cypriot government has been “working closely with Ukraine” with the aim of opening the first cluster of accession negotiations for Ukraine potentially joining the EU in the future. He also said the two sides exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations and the partnership between Cyprus and Ukraine.
Details and reactions to the latest sanctions
The Council of the EU described the latest round of sanctions as “the biggest package of listings in two years” and “stern, multi-layered economic sanctions targeting key sectors which fuel Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine”.
EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas said the EU “will provide Ukraine with what it needs to hold its ground while we inhibit those enabling Russia’s illegal aggression”.
The latest sanctions include port access bans for 46 more Russian and Russia-linked vessels, transaction bans on 20 Russian banks, ending all support for the development of the digital rouble, and banning the export of computer numerical control machines and radios to Kyrgyzstan, given the possibility of their onward export to Russia.
What do you think the EU’s latest loans and sanctions will mean for Ukraine in the coming months?
