“While upholding a position of principle on the matter of Ukraine we expressed time and time again our deep concern for the potential danger of an imminent proliferation of the conflict to a civil war that can only be diffused by constructive dialogue and not military or other means,” Nikos Christodoulides said.
The crisis in Ukraine escalated in April, when Kiev authorities launched a military operation against independence supporters in eastern Ukraine who refused to recognize the new government, which came to power after a coup in February.
Following months of bloodshed, and a violation of the first ceasefire agreement between the warring sides, the latest ceasefire agreement came into force in eastern Ukraine on February 15.
Russia was one of the countries that strongly supported a political dialogue between the warring sides, and mediated both of the ceasefire agreements.
