Cyprus officially assumed the European Union’s rotating presidency on Wednesday, opening its six-month term with a high-profile meeting attended by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President Antonio Costa.

The ceremony in Nicosia also includes Middle Eastern leaders such as Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, reflecting Cyprus’ ambition to act as a bridge between Europe and the region. Zelenskiy was welcomed at the presidential palace by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who emphasized that Ukraine will remain a central priority of Cyprus’ presidency.

“Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” Christodoulides wrote on social media. “As a country still living with the consequences of illegal invasion and ongoing military occupation, we fully understand what is at stake.”

Zelenskiy praised Cyprus’ efforts and expressed hope that the presidency would take steps toward bringing Ukraine closer to EU membership. The discussions also followed a recent Paris meeting where the United States and European allies pledged security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of renewed Russian aggression.

Historically close to Russia, Cyprus has fully backed sanctions against Moscow, drawing parallels between Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Turkey’s 1974 military intervention in northern Cyprus. Zelenskiy’s attendance underscored continued EU support for Kyiv as the conflict enters its fifth year.

Later, Zelenskiy met with Cyprus’ Greek Orthodox Archbishop Georgios, a supporter of Ukraine’s independent church, signaling religious as well as political solidarity with Kyiv