Ukraine expects tangible progress in negotiations on accession to the European Union in the coming months. President Vladimir Zelensky said this on Thursday, December 4, during a briefing with President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides, Suspilne reports..

On this day, the Cypriot leader made his first official visit to Kyiv.

According to Zelensky, this visit on the eve of Cyprus’ presidency of the EU Council is an important signal of political support for Ukraine. The head of state noted that the Cypriot presidency could become historic in terms of opening new negotiation clusters and making decisions necessary for Ukraine’s advancement towards membership in the European Union.

The President also emphasized that Europe today is forming a new global role, and Ukraine plays a key unifying function in this process. He thanked Cyprus for its constant political support and constructive position during the European integration negotiations.

" And the Cypriot presidency could become historic in terms of opening clusters for Ukraine and other necessary decisions,” Zelensky said.

During the meeting, the parties also discussed the preparation of a new EU sanctions package against Russia. Zelensky stressed the importance of increasing pressure on the Russian energy sector and stopping sanctions circumvention schemes. Ukraine looks forward to the role of Cyprus in these matters, as well as in promoting European decisions on Russian assets, which should be used for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

A separate topic of the negotiations was the return of Ukrainian children abducted by Russia.. Zelensky thanked Cyprus for supporting the UN General Assembly resolution and emphasized the need for global efforts to release all detained Ukrainians.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides confirmed that his country will continue to stand on the “right side of history” - on the side of Ukraine. Christodoulides emphasized that the security of Ukraine is inextricably linked with the security of the entire European Union, and also noted the readiness of Cyprus to help strengthen the sanctions regime and support further expansion of the EU.

" Because this is a conscious choice of Ukraine to become part of the European Union, but we are also talking about geopolitical issues.

We must advance the enlargement procedures of the European Union, strengthening, among other things, our collective security and our democratic resilience,"

He also emphasized that Cyprus knows well what occupation means, and therefore especially understands the situation in Ukraine. Christodoulides assured that during the Cypriot EU Presidency, the issue of Ukraine will remain one of the key ones.

Let us remind you that Christodoulides and the delegation arrived in Kyiv by train at 8 am. He will return to Cyprus on Friday.

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