Ayia Napa, Cyprus. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday predicted stronger bilateral ties between Kiev and Nicosia, saying Cyprus has supported Ukraine since the start of Cyprus’ presidency of the European Council. He spoke as EU leaders met in Cyprus after Hungary lifted its veto on a €90 billion loan for Ukraine.
Call for weapons production and defence support
Speaking to journalists at the Ayia Napa marina, the venue for the informal EU Council, Zelenskiy called for European production of critical weapons systems and addressed Ukraine’s broader defence needs.
Visit to Cyprus and remarks on support
Zelenskiy, invited to the council as a special guest, was asked on arriving in Ayia Napa how he feels to be in Cyprus, a partitioned country. He replied that “Cyprus has always supported us, Nikos Christodoulides supports us, and I’m very grateful…”
He added: “Now there is a war, and we are focusing on the war, not on the economy.”
Meetings with EU leaders and joint statement
Earlier in the day, Zelenskiy met in Nicosia with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
In a joint statement, the three noted the need to increase support for Ukraine, Ukraine’s bid for EU membership, and the next steps related to sanctions on Russia. They called for the launch of EU-Ukraine membership talks without delay.
The statement also welcomed the approval of the €90 billion loan to Ukraine for the years 2026 and 2027.
What do you think the launch of EU-Ukraine membership talks without delay would mean for the EU’s next steps on support and sanctions?
