Ukraine - Our Message

We, at the Conservative Friends of Cyprus, most strongly condemn the Russian invasion, which violates Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, two core principles enshrined in international law. Most importantly, we unequivocally condemn the loss of human life caused by the Russian invasion.

Russia’s decision to bomb and roll tanks into Ukrainian villages, cities and neighbourhoods awakens memories of a tragic period in European history. It also awakens memories of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which resulted in countless Cypriots having to flee Cyprus as refugees, many to Britain. As British-Cypriots, we cannot but stand by the brave Ukrainian people as they fight for their homes and families.

This invasion threatens the homes where our friends and their families live. It threatens democracy and the right of the Ukrainian people to choose their fates as they deserve – as free and proud people. The Ukrainians, like all people, deserve to live their lives in peace, unhindered by political motives, acts of neo-imperialism, and unilateralism.

We call on the European community and the Republic of Cyprus, with which the British-Cypriot community continues to maintain strong ties, to follow Britain’s example and take action to ensure evil does not prevail in Ukraine. As the free and democratic people of Europe, we have a responsibility to send a clear and decisive message to the aggressors. A failure to do so carries the danger of encouraging other authoritarian leaders to roll in their tanks into free and sovereign communities, like Cyprus.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Ukraine.