The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, held a meeting with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides
On the eve of Cyprus' governance of the European Union, which will begin on 1 January 2026, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, met with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides. During the meeting, the parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, the implementation of European reforms, the opening of new negotiation clusters for Ukraine's accession to the EU, and the development of interparliamentary dialogue.
Ruslan Stefanchuk expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its continued support of Ukraine during the difficult times of war and emphasised the importance of friendly relations between our peoples and parliaments. «We greatly appreciate the relations between our peoples, parliaments and governments and look forward to your presidency of the EU,» he said.
In turn, the President of Cyprus stressed that Cyprus understands well the difficulties that Ukraine is going through and is ready to support it on its path to European integration. «I am visiting Ukraine 28 days before Cyprus takes over the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Ukraine is one of our priorities, and we will do everything we can to open the first negotiating clusters for its integration into the EU. Cyprus understands well the pain that Ukraine is going through,» Nikos Christodoulides stressed.
Separately, during the meeting, the prospect of Cyprus recognising the Holodomor as genocide of the Ukrainian people was discussed, which would be an important act of historical justice and political solidarity.
In conclusion, Ruslan Stefanchuk emphasised that lasting peace in Ukraine is a key element of security for the whole of Europe, and that the security of the EU is inextricably linked to the security of Ukraine. The parties agreed to continue active interparliamentary dialogue and support for reforms.