Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper based on the results of the outgoing year

(December 13, 2025)

• Main theses

• The main event of the outgoing year was the large-scale celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. We prepared thoroughly for this sacred date: large-scale processions of the “Immortal Regiment”, memorial ceremonies, car rallies, numerous concerts with the participation of creative teams from Russia, film screenings, exhibitions and festivals were organized; our veterans, including 97-year-old blockade survivor Galina Matskina, visited. As a result, dozens of events across the island gathered a record number of participants – Russians living in Cyprus, immigrants from former Soviet republics and local Cypriots.

• In the current circumstances, our main focus has been on areas that are not subject to Western restrictions. First of all, it is cultural and humanitarian cooperation, promotion of the Russian language and literature. This year, the Nizhny Novgorod Provincial Orchestra and the State Honored Academic Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Dagestan “Lezginka” performed triumphantly on the island, gathering full halls. Hundreds of Cypriots of all ages took part in the third annual All-Cyprus Russian Language Olympiad. In October, the annual youth forum “Be Yourself – 2025”, dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the national people’s diplomacy, was successfully held in Nicosia. It brought together representatives from 13 countries, including participants from the BRICS countries.

• Official Nicosia has joined the “packages” of anti-Russian sanctions. However, despite this line imposed by Europe, the channels of communication with the Cypriot side remain open. We maintain working contacts and actively interact with local government agencies on various practical issues related to the large-scale Russian presence on the island.

• Russia has many friends among constructive-minded Cypriots who do not forget the rich positive experience of many years of cooperation with our country. Many residents of Cyprus, given its colonial past, highly appreciate our country’s contribution to the development of national liberation movements around the world.

• The Russian Embassy maintains close relations with diplomats from friendly countries accredited on the island. In the modern world, there are simply no opportunities to “abolish” or isolate anyone, especially a world power.

The consequences of the “conservation” of trade and tourism ties with our country were felt by the Cypriots themselves. According to opinion polls, over 70% of local residents are convinced that the movement should be towards Russia. It is also significant that the most popular foreign head of state on the island is invariably Russian President Vladimir Putin.

• In the current difficult geopolitical environment, the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of Russian citizens and compatriots residing in Cyprus remains a key focus of our activities. We pay close attention to the consolidation of the Russian-speaking diaspora and its involvement in joint cultural, educational and patriotic activities.

• Even according to the most conservative estimates, at least 150,000 Russians live in Cyprus. We are systematically working to provide the full range of consular services both on the territory of the Consular Department of the Embassy, during field consular sessions in the cities of Limassol and Paphos, and at the site of the Office of the Consular Department in the northern part of Nicosia. Since the beginning of 2025, consular services have been provided to about 78,000 Russians.

• I find nothing surprising in the fact that even the “wind of change” blowing from Europe is unable to sever the close business, family and friendly ties established over decades between our peoples.

• Taking into account the sentiments of ordinary Cypriots, who invariably reject the anti-Russian agenda imposed by the Western mainstream, there are absolutely all prerequisites for a positive development of events.

, Read in full

https://www.kp.ru/daily/27755.5/5184470/