New York, United States. Cyprus has placed continued support for Ukraine among the top priorities of its rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union, Energy Minister Michalis Damianos told the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
EU support and Ukraine’s ambitions
Damianos said Cyprus remains committed to promoting the EU’s broad support to Ukraine, including humanitarian aid, financial support, reconstruction efforts and Ukraine’s European ambitions.
Impact of attacks on energy infrastructure
He said recent weeks have seen further large-scale attacks against Ukraine’s critical energy infrastructure, depriving civilians of access to electricity, heating and water, especially during the winter months.
Damianos said hospitals, schools and other essential services have faced serious disruptions, deepening an acute humanitarian crisis and exacerbating civilian suffering.
Principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity
Damianos said that for Cyprus, which continues to experience the consequences of what he described as an illegal invasion and occupation, the principles of sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity are existential and based on the country’s history and commitment to international law.
He reiterated Cyprus’s long-standing support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognised borders, adding that the obligation to refrain from the threat or use of force against territorial integrity is neither selective nor conditional.
Support for a UN resolution on peace in Ukraine
Damianos said Cyprus is committed to advancing a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and supports this year’s resolution, Support for a Lasting Peace in Ukraine.
The UN General Assembly adopted by a wide margin on Tuesday a resolution supporting Ukraine, backing its international borders and expressing concern over intensifying Russian attacks on civilians and critical energy infrastructure.
What do you think should be prioritised in international support efforts for Ukraine?
