Cyprus is failing Ukraine
The Republic of Cyprus is firmly in Moscow’s orbit. Russian influence has penetrated all levels of Cypriot society. After the collapse of the USSR, Russian officials, near-Kremlin businessmen, and officers of special services moved huge amounts of money from Russia to Cyprus.
Along with the money, the Russians brought corruption and political influence. Many representatives of the Cypriot establishment have connections, including corrupt ones, with Russian structures and often act in Russia’s interests to the detriment of their country and the European Union. Many politicians and other influential Cypriots enrich themselves by serving the interests of powerful Russians and their assets on the island.
This has created a fertile environment for the proliferation of Russian special services and agents of influence into the political, business, religious and public circles of Cyprus.
Cyprus has a large Russian-speaking community. According to some reports, there are more than 100,000 Russian-speaking residents on the island. This is 10 per cent of the country’s population. With the help of not quite legal schemes, many have received Cypriot citizenship – enabling them to vote in Cypriot elections.
Russian propaganda and disinformation spread freely on the island through Russian-controlled media.
In Cyprus, there are many organizations created and financed by Moscow, masquerading as a public service to stimulate social, cultural and scientific activity. All these organizations serve as a cover for Russian agents. Some are focused on local society to find new allies in the country, others are aimed at emigrants from the USSR and Russia to reinforce the Kremlin’s control.
These and many other factors have contributed to the unique
