Conflicts

Cyprus has become an important financial hub for Russian elites. Oligarchs of Russian origin have settled in Cyprus, hiding their assets and avoiding sanctions by using offshore companies and Cypriot front men.

In recent decades, the Medittaranean island has also become a key springboard for Russian influence in Europe. Despite international sanctions and restrictions, Moscow, through its intelligence services, oligarchs and cultural structures, has deeply penetrated the political, economic and cultural life of the island.

Russian intelligence services not only maintain their power through money and corruption, but also actively use cultural and religious organizations to cover their activities.

According to Cypriot investigative journalist Boris Demash:

"Cypriot society itself is almost entirely on the side of Russia, the vast majority of the Cypriot population, indigenous Cypriots, love Russians. First of all, because Russians have money."

And Boris Demash continues:

"The Cypriot economic and political elite not only tolerates, but also actively cooperates with Russian intelligence services, thereby helping to circumvent sanctions and launder money."

"The local population admires Putin, considers him a leader with "balls..." and fully supports his policies. While Cypriots consider Ukraine a "rebel province" brainwashed by the Americans," Boris Demash claims that 90% of the island's residents share this view.

(MH with AmBar/Source: Meduza/Photo: Mikhail Nilov/Pexels)