The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
During his speech at the opening ceremony of Cyprus’s presidency of the Council of the European Union, Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that one of Cyprus’s presidency priorities is the opening of negotiating clusters for Ukraine.
The text of the President’s speech was published on his website.
“For Ukraine, this moment is truly significant — just as it is for Cyprus, an EU member state that, unfortunately, remains divided, yet strives for lasting peace and occupies its rightful place in Europe.
A country that may be smaller in size, but has an equal right to a voice in European institutions”, — Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
The President emphasized that Ukraine also deserves to be an equal part of the common European home.
He separately noted that Ukraine is among the priorities of the Cypriot presidency.
“We are grateful for the President’s words that our goal should be the simultaneous opening of negotiating clusters during your presidency — both for Ukraine and, of course, for our friends Moldova” — the President said.
Ukraine also expects the start of implementation of the EUR 90 billion EU support package for 2026–2027. A practical mechanism is needed to ensure these funds truly help the country.
The President stressed that negotiations to end Russia’s war against Ukraine and achieve peace have reached a new level, while sufficient pressure on the aggressor must continue.
“Sanctions against Russia, support for Ukraine, and joint strengthening of our defense — all of this works for peace. We discussed, at the EU level, within the Coalition of the Willing, and in our bilateral work with Cyprus, the need to strengthen sanctions.
A new package is being prepared. Many steps are being taken to combat Russia’s shadow fleet, and this will work. Every dollar Russia loses is a dollar that does not fuel the aggressor”, — Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine also expects that the important European SAFE initiative will demonstrate its effectiveness this year and looks forward to productive cooperation with Cyprus and every EU member state within this instrument.
“I sincerely believe that together we can help realize one of the most important guarantees of peace and security for our country and all of Europe — Ukraine’s membership in the European Union”, — the President concluded.
