President Zelensky to attend EU summit in Cyprus

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is scheduled to attend the informal EU summit in Cyprus in person on Thursday and Friday. He plans to replace a previously scheduled videoconference with direct discussions with European leaders. Key agenda items include a 90 billion euro support package for Ukraine and its path toward EU accession. The financial support had faced a veto from Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, linked to oil transit issues via Ukraine, but Hungary is now expected to drop the veto following the resumption of oil flows. Regarding EU membership, major powers such as France and Germany continue to oppose fast-track procedures for Ukraine. Additionally, leaders will discuss the strengthening of European defense, specifically Article 42.7, which mandates mutual assistance between member states in the event of an attack. This discussion carries particular significance for Cyprus, which is not a member of NATO. Diplomatic sources emphasize that efforts to bolster European defense aim to avoid friction with the United States and NATO.