Could Trump Resolve the Cyprus Issue?

Experts note that while Cyprus is not currently a top priority for Washington, the island’s strategic location and its role as an energy corridor could allow the US to exert indirect influence. At the same time, projects such as IMEC and potential cooperation among regional actors present both opportunities and risks for a lasting resolution to the Cyprus dispute.

Trump’s recent foreign policy moves, particularly regarding Ukraine and Crimea, have prompted discussions on whether similar strategies could affect Cyprus. Analysts emphasize that Cyprus is not an immediate focus for the US, yet the island’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean, alongside energy developments, could elevate its geopolitical significance.

Trump Urges Ukraine to Relinquish Crimea to End War

In recent weeks, Trump reportedly advised Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to forgo claims to Crimea in order to bring the Russia-Ukraine war to a close. According to reports, Trump told Zelenskyy that Ukraine’s NATO membership and the recovery of Crimea could not be part of any compromise, suggesting that accepting these conditions could end the conflict “almost immediately.”

Concerns in the Greek Cypriot Community

Trump’s statements were met with unease in the Greek Cypriot press, with commentators raising the possibility that his approach could have implications for the Cyprus issue and potentially place the Greek Cypriot side in a difficult position regarding territorial negotiations. In response, the Greek Cypriot government maintained a cautious stance. Government spokesperson Konstantinos Letimbiotis stated, “We support Ukraine’s struggle to maintain its territorial integrity.”

Legal Warnings from Cyprus Experts

Aris Konstantinidis, Associate Professor of International Law at the University of Cyprus, highlighted the potential risks of Trump applying a similar approach to Cyprus. He argued that Trump’s decisions on Crimea and NATO in Ukraine could embolden other leaders to pursue aggressive territorial policies. Konstantinidis warned that comparisons between Crimea and Northern Cyprus could encourage some international actors to recognize territories acquired by force, undermining longstanding legal protections.

Konstantinidis emphasized that international law has protected the “Republic of Cyprus” for over fifty years by prohibiting the forcible annexation of foreign territory. Erosion of this principle, he said, would make it harder for Cyprus to defend its legal rights in the future and could make it easier for Turkey to disregard these protections.

The legal expert also noted that Trump has demonstrated a willingness to reshape international borders without strict regard for international law, citing his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and Morocco’s sovereignty over Western Sahara as examples. Konstantinidis cautioned that some commentary in the Turkish Cypriot press, suggesting that Trump might turn his attention to Cyprus after Ukraine, should be considered carefully in this context.