Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy sought to advance EU membership discussions and secure stricter sanctions on Russia during a meeting on Wednesday as Cyprus took over the European Union's rotating presidency.

Zelenskyy met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Nicosia as Cyprus officially began its six-month presidency.

“We are working to make as much progress as possible during this period on opening negotiation clusters and on Ukraine’s accession to the European Union,” Zelenskyy said in a statement posted on X following the meeting.

Ukraine applied to join the EU just days after Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, aiming to align itself politically and economically with the West. Despite the ongoing war and opposition from EU member Hungary to a fast-track process for Kyiv, Ukraine continues to push for progress on its bid.

“The President and I discussed strengthening sanctions against Russia, which must remain in place for as long as Russia’s aggression and occupation continue,” Zelenskyy stated.

The two leaders also addressed bolstering Ukraine’s air defence and the production and supply of drones. “We hope that support for Ukraine will remain strong,” he added.

Zelenskyy was scheduled to meet later with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

He explained that Wednesday’s discussions would allow for further talks about a meeting held in Paris on Tuesday, where the United States pledged to back a broad coalition of Ukraine’s allies in offering security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire, to support the country if Russia launches further attacks.

Cyprus, traditionally close to Russia politically and culturally, has fully endorsed sanctions against Moscow. Many on the island draw comparisons between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Turkey’s invasion of northern Cyprus in 1974 following a brief coup orchestrated by Greece’s military rulers at the time.

"Cyprus reaffirms its unwavering commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. As a country that still bears the consequences of an illegal invasion and ongoing military occupation, we fully understand what is at stake," Christodoulides said in a post on X after meeting Zelenskyy.

"Ukraine will be a central priority during our presidency, and we will work to ensure continued support at all levels," he added.

Later in Nicosia, a ceremony marking the beginning of Cyprus’s six-month presidency will include leaders from the Middle East, such as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, reflecting the eastern Mediterranean island’s ambition to serve as a bridge between Europe and the region.

Copied