Russian ambassador questions Cyprus’ alignment with NATO

Russia’s Cyprus ambassador Murat Zyazikov on Monday refuted the suggestion of Cyprus pursing further relations with NATO, describing the bloc as “a relic of a bygone era”.

Speaking to Simerini, Zyazikov said “clear calls are being heard” from political forces in Cyprus to reassess ties with Russia, though he stressed that the upcoming parliamentary election remains an internal matter for the Republic.

Zyazikov framed the discussion on Cyprus’ potential alignment with NATO as complex and lacking in broad consensus.