Archbishop's Remark on 'Powerful Neighbors' During Zelensky's Visit

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, visited the Archbishopric in Nicosia, where he met with Archbishop George I. During the meeting, the Archbishop referred to his visits to Ukraine and the Hagia Sophia, while also drawing a comparison with the situation in Cyprus, emphasizing that both countries are neighbors with powerful nations that have aspirations over their territories (Russia and Turkey respectively). He expressed hope that God would help and bring justice. Zelensky thanked the Archbishop for the warm welcome and the support of the Church of Cyprus to Ukraine during the war, and invited him to visit Kyiv. The meeting took place shortly before the start of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of Europe. The Archbishop George I stressed the Orthodox faith that God loves justice and, while he may test, will ultimately bring vindication. His reference to "powerful neighbors" was made in a context of common challenges faced by Cyprus and Ukraine. Zelensky's visit to Cyprus comes within the framework of the start of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of Europe, highlighting the importance of Cyprus as a bridge between Europe and Ukraine. The meeting with the Archbishop is part of the Ukrainian President's bilateral contacts.