The island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean Sea has become a colony of the Kremlin in Europe, and in practice it can be said that Russia has bought it, writes NEXTA.
Over the past few decades, Cyprus has become a key stronghold for Russian influence in Europe. Despite international sanctions and restrictions, Moscow has penetrated deeply into the political, economic and cultural life of the island through its intelligence services, oligarchs and cultural organizations.
Cyprus has become a major financial hub for the Russian elite. Russian-rooted oligarchs such as Igor Kesaev, Oleg Deripaska and Boris Rotenberg have settled in Cyprus, hiding their assets and avoiding sanctions using Cypriot offshore companies and fronts. As a result, Cyprus has become a "Kremlin base in the European Union", Cypriot investigative journalist Boris Demash said in an interview with NEXTA.
The "golden passport" program, which allowed people to obtain Cypriot citizenship in exchange for investment, opened the door for many Russian oligarchs, including those under Western sanctions. The passport holders include close Putin associates such as Igor Kesaev and Oleg Deripaska. Although the program was shut down under EU pressure, these passports remain valid, giving dozens of Kremlin-linked Russians access to Europe's financial and legal systems. In essence, the Cypriot elite lives on Russian money.
„Russian intelligence has penetrated deeply into the political and business circles of Cyprus,”, notes Demash. Russian intelligence not only maintains power through money and corruption, but also uses cultural and religious organizations as a front for its activities. For example, the Imperial Orthodox Palestinian Society, led by former FSB director Sergei Stepashin, operates on the island. These organizations maintain close ties with the Russian-speaking community and local authorities, promote pro-Russian sentiment and carry out Kremlin tasks.
For example, in 2021, a monument called “The Family– guarantee of peace", an event organized with the participation of the Russian Embassy. Cypriot authorities even support Victory Day celebrations, which have become an important element of Kremlin propaganda, especially amid the war with Ukraine. According to Demash, Cypriot society is overwhelmingly pro-Russian: “The majority of Cypriots love the Russians, mainly because the Russians have money”.
The Cypriot business and political elite not only tolerate, but actively cooperate with Russian intelligence, helping to evade sanctions and launder money through shadowy schemes. As reported by the Cyprus Daily News, Boris Rotenberg used front persons through Cypriot companies to manage his assets, including yachts and real estate. The practice is widespread: “The whole Cypriot society is oriented to serve the Russians”, adds the journalist.
The local population admires Putin, sees him as a strong leader and fully supports his policies. While Cypriots see Ukraine as a "rebellious province" that has been "brainwashed by the Americans", Demash claims that 90% of the island's residents share this view. Local lawyers, officials and businessmen are implicated in Russian corruption schemes, while members of the Cypriot parliament, many of whom run law firms, serve Russian oligarchs, officials and crime lords.
The Ukrainian diaspora in Cyprus tried to fight pro-Russian propaganda, but failed. The local government and society ignore their appeals and complaints. Local authorities support Victory Day parades, rallies celebrating territorial annexations, and "Wagner" PMC flags. “No reaction,” says Demash. Ukrainian appeals are ignored by the Cypriot authorities. Meanwhile, Russia is getting what it wants, and pro-war rallies in support of Russia's invasion of Ukraine are being held right in the center of this European country with full protection from the police and authorities.
Cyprus has become a “Kremlin colony”, says Demash. Russia has influence through decades of economic ties and investment. This poses a threat to the European Union and Ukraine, as Cyprus is a gateway for sanctions evasion, money laundering and financing of Russian special operations.