Cyprus has become a new home for Greek-Ukrainians fleeing the war around Mariupol, with entire villages including almost all of Sartana relocating to the island. Ukraine’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Serhiy Nizhynskyi, says these communities have begun rebuilding their lives with resilience and determination.
The ambassador notes a dramatic increase in Ukrainian arrivals. From about 4,000 residents before the war to roughly 24,000 currently under temporary protection. Embassy estimates place the broader Ukrainian population at around 33,000, representing 2.6 percent of Cyprus’s total population.
Cyprus’s familiar culture helps Greek Ukrainians integrate rapidly
Many of the displaced come from Greek-speaking villages in the Mariupol region, easing their transition into Cypriot society.
Their knowledge of the language and the familiar Mediterranean climate help them integrate swiftly.
According to Nizhynskyi, they are not passive recipients of aid; they find work quickly, apply their skills and participate actively in community life.
Questions about the future
Whether these families will eventually return to Ukraine remains uncertain. The ambassador says much depends on individual identity and attachment to their homeland.
Some maintain a strong Ukrainian identity and stay closely involved in cultural or volunteer efforts abroad. Others adapt more flexibly, shaping their sense of belonging based on their surroundings.
This, Nizhynskyi explains, is why Ukraine continues investing in educational and cultural initiatives abroad: to strengthen communities where identity risks fading and to support those whose ties remain strong.
A cultural anchor in Paphos
Supporting this effort, the Ukrainian House recently opened in Paphos. The new cultural center is designed as a meeting place for Ukrainians across Cyprus, a space for community events, traditions and connection.
As Greek-Ukrainian families continue to rebuild in Cyprus, their story reflects both displacement and renewal, shaping a new chapter for one of Europe’s most diverse island communities.
Related: The History of the Greeks in Ukraine
