Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the people and politicians of Cyprus. He thanked for the financial and humanitarian assistance, for the adopted resolution of support of Ukraine, as well as for the decision to forbid Russian warships from the Cypriot ports.
"I am grateful for the honor to address you in this format and at this time. At a crucial time for my country and the survival of the Ukrainian people. For European freedom. It is being decided right now whether we will preserve the sovereignty of our territory and our state, " the Ukrainian President said in a video appeal to the Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus.
Zelensky stressed that russia's invasion of Ukraine has already killed thousands of people. At the same time, the russian troops are killing peaceful Ukrainians just for fun. He reminded Bucha, Irpin, Mariupol, Kharkiv ... The President stressed that the murdered people are buried in mass graves, just in the street yards, because it is impossible to take the bodies to cemeteries. The occupiers have already killed 167 children, and these are the only ones officially recognized.
The President noted that other countries should also think about what is actually inside the foundation of the russian politics towards them. That is why the democratic world is now united in its negative attitude towards russia.
Zelensky focused that Ukraine was attacked by russia in 2014 when Crimea was occupied and the war in Donbas started. But at that time the world's response was weak, very weak.
"Many people in the world still believed that the relationship with russia could be constructive. That dialogue with russia could be sincere and based on the principle of mutual respect. Many years have taught the world that this was a mistake. And the invasion of Ukraine on February 24 has shown that the russian leadership has considered the goodwill of other nations as their weakness, " the President said.
He stressed that the aggressor country is building plans for a new military attack on Ukraine, and the russian powers do not want to seek peace during the negotiations.
"The Republic of Cyprus has extremely powerful tools to influence the russian society. Unique power that can serve for bringing peace. All ports of the democratic world must be completely closed to russian ships. This must be a common decision - at the EU level. But at your country level, it is possible to at least freeze the operation of all russians' yachts and other vessels in your waters. You can withdraw existing privileges for russian citizens. From so-called "golden" passports for all russians with no exception to dual citizenship for them, " Zelenskyy said.
He also stressed the importance of blocking any efforts by russian citizens, who came under sanctions, to circumvent these restrictions.
"We need to do all the required work to prepare the European Union for the inevitable embargo on energy supplies from Russia," Zelenskyy added.