Ukraine expects a lot from the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his speech at the opening ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
“For Ukraine, this moment is really very, very meaningful – just as it is for Cyprus – a member state that, unfortunately, remains divided, but committed to lasting peace – and is fully equal in Europe. And a country that may be smaller in size but has an equal voice in European institutions,” the Head of State noted.
The President emphasized that Ukraine also deserves to be an equal part of the shared European home.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also highlighted that Ukraine is included among the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency.
“We are grateful for what the President has said – that we should aim to open negotiation clusters at the same time during your presidency – for both, of course, for both, Ukraine and our friends – Moldova,” said the Head of State.
Ukraine also expects to see the start of implementing the EU support package of EUR 90 billion for 2026–2027. A practical mechanism is needed to ensure that these funds will genuinely help our country.
The President stressed that, at the same time, negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and achieve peace have reached a new level. At the same time, sufficient pressure on the aggressor must continue.
“Sanctions on Russia, support for Ukraine, strengthening our defense together – all of this works for peace, of course. And we have discussed – at the EU level, within the Coalition of the Willing, and in our bilateral work with Cyprus – that sanctions need to be upgraded. A new package is being prepared. And many steps are being taken to target Russia’s shadow fleet, and this will work. Every dollar Russia loses is a dollar that does not fuel the aggressor,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
In addition, Ukraine expects that this year the very important European SAFE initiative will prove its effectiveness and looks forward to productive cooperation with Cyprus and every EU country within this framework.
“I also deeply believe that together, we can help deliver one of the most important guarantees of peace and security – for our nation and for the whole of Europe – Ukraine’s membership in the European Union,” the President concluded.
