At the Opening Ceremony of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Cyprus that Ukraine is among the priorities of its presidency.

“As Cyprus begins its presidency, peace negotiations have reached a new level of intensity. We work very, very actively – Ukraine, our European partners, and of course, the United States, and all members of our Coalition of the Willing – from Canada to Japan, from the EU to Australia,” Ukraine’s President has said. “And it is possible – and we sincerely hope – that this war could end during your presidency. And of course, only if enough pressure is put on the aggressor.”

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that sanctions, defence support, and coordinated European efforts are essential to end Russia’s aggression.

He expressed hope that Cyprus’ presidency would advance European unity and peace, and reiterated the goal of Ukraine’s EU membership as a fundamental guarantee for Europe’s security.