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.