Cyprus Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas opened the press conference at the informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in Lefkosia with a powerful message: support for Ukraine is not only about one country’s sovereignty — it is about defending the entire European and international security order.

Palmas said the meeting focused on EU defence support for Ukraine, maritime security and the European Security Strategy. He reaffirmed Cyprus’s solidarity with Ukraine and said support for Kyiv will be a central priority during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.

His strongest message came when he linked Ukraine’s struggle to Cyprus’s own experience. Palmas said Ukraine is defending the principle that force must never be used to redraw borders — and Cyprus knows this reality “first-hand” because it remains under military occupation. That is why, he said, Cyprus’s support for Ukraine is unwavering.

The Defence Ministers also discussed maritime security, freedom of navigation, Russia’s shadow fleet and the role of EU naval operations in strengthening Europe’s presence and readiness at sea. Reports from the meeting confirmed that Ukraine, maritime security and the future European security strategy were the central topics on the agenda.

Palmas concluded with a message of unity and strategic foresight: Cyprus is committed to building a stronger, more resilient and credible Europe in security and defence.

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