Zelenskyy Hosts Christodoulides in Kyiv

In a significant diplomatic meeting held in Kyiv on December 4, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Nikos Christodoulides, the President of Cyprus, marking the latter’s first visit to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion and the first such visit by a Cypriot leader in a decade. This encounter underscored a mutual commitment to bolstering European unity and advancing Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

During the discussions, President Zelenskyy briefed President Christodoulides on the current situation in Ukraine, including military developments and ongoing negotiations with international partners. Christodoulides commended the Ukrainian people’s resilience against what he described as Russia’s “criminal invasion,” emphasizing that any peace deal must honor the United Nations’ principles and respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

A significant portion of their dialogue focused on Ukraine’s European trajectory, particularly in light of Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union. The leaders expressed hope that this period would be pivotal for Ukraine, potentially kickstarting formal EU membership negotiations. They also reviewed the enhancement of sanctions against Russia, with the EU poised to adopt a new sanctions package targeting the Russian energy sector among other financial streams.

Additionally, the Presidents discussed humanitarian issues, including the situation of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia. Zelenskyy thanked Cyprus for backing a relevant resolution at the UN General Assembly. With Cyprus’s continued support, Ukraine looks to strengthen its position both in Europe and on the global stage, seeking justice and security in the face of ongoing aggression.