Mariupol Greek community

Mariupol State University, once a center for Greek cultural studies in Ukraine, was forced to abandon its collection and relocate to Kyiv during Russian destruction and occupation of the Azov Sea port city of Mariupol. NV attended a ceremony marking the donation of a new collection of Greek-language books, presided over by Cypriot Ambassador Michalis Firillas.

For the first half of 2026, the Republic of Cyprus will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The New Voice of Ukraine sat down with the newly-appointed Ambassador of Cyprus to Ukraine, Michalis Firillas, to discuss Cyprus’s upcoming role in the position and what role they may fill in helping Ukraine navigate the ascension process, as well as the similarities and lessons that may be drawn from the island’s own history of conflict.