Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Cyprus has provided various forms of aid to Ukraine, including humanitarian assistance, sanctions against Russia, and demining specialists courses.
Cyprus is actively participating in international humanitarian initiatives to support Ukraine. In April 2023, Cyprus began training Ukrainian demining specialists, an important step in restoring security in the liberated territories. This training is carried out within the framework of the EU Military Assistance Mission in support of Ukraine (EUMAM) and includes training support of Ukrainian officers in mine detection and demining.
Cyprus has also joined the European Union sanctions against Russia, including a flight ban on Russian planes and restrictions on the activities of Russian banks. Despite historically close ties with Russia and the importance of Russian investments for the Cypriot economy, the government has decided to support the EU measures. This shows Cyprus’s readiness to uphold international law and fight against Russian aggression. The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, has repeatedly condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, stressing the importance of respecting international law and the territorial integrity of all states. On various international events, he has called for active measures to defend Ukraine and maintain peace in the region. Cyprus also coordinates its efforts with the EU and other international partners to strengthen international law and counter Russian aggression.
Recall that the most massive attacks since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine took place on 26 and 27 August 2024, which have widespread international response. This time, more than 230 missiles and drones were launched, killing 7 people and injuring about 50, including children. The next day, Russia continued the shelling with missiles and drones, that also caused casualties and destruction.
US President Joe Biden strongly condemned these attacks, calling them an attempt to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. “Russia will never succeed in Ukraine,” he said. Biden also stressed that the US and its allies would continue to provide military and energy support to Ukraine, including air defense systems and energy equipment to repair Ukraine’s infrastructure. In addition, the UK and Germany condemned the attacks, calling them “cowardly,” aimed at destroying Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, which is a violation of international law.
Russia’s targeted attacks on foreign journalists are of particular concern. On the night of August 25, a Russian strike hit the Hotel Sapphire in Kramatorsk, killing Reuters journalist Ryan Evans and seriously wounding two others. The next night, a Russian missile hit the Aurora Hotel in Kryvyi Rih, killing two people and wounding five. These actions are aimed at suppressing press freedom and hiding the truth about events in Ukraine.
Today, there is a greater need than ever to use long-range weapons of Ukraine’s partners on Russian territory. Strikes against military bases and facilities on Russian territory could significantly reduce Russia’s ability to continue aggression, and help to protect the lives of Ukrainian people and critical infrastructure. European partners and NATO countries should consider the possibility, which allows Ukraine to ensure its sovereignty and independence, as well as to prevent further escalation of the conflict, including in Europe. Cyprus, with its historically close ties with Russia, faces challenges related to the influence of Russian organizations on the island. The presence of the pro-Russian AKEL party (Progressive Party of Working People of Cyprus) and the possible influence of Russian agents is a matter of concern in the current geopolitical situation. Russian agents can destabilize Cyprus, escalating internal conflicts and complicating relations with Turkey. It is important for Cyprus and other European countries to support Ukraine and counter Russian aggression in order to maintain stability in the region.
In addition, supporting Ukraine helps prevent the spread of war to Europe and protects Cyprus from potential internal destabilization. Cyprus must strengthen security measures, such as control over political funding and readiness for information attacks, to minimize the risks associated with Russian influence.
The situation in Ukraine requires decisive action from the international community. Cyprus, like other European countries, cannot be indifferent, especially in the face of the growing threat of Russian aggression. Supporting Ukraine by all available means is a guarantee of peace and stability in Europe.