Russia tries to disrupt EU summit in Cyprus with staged protests
Photo: Russiaэs embassy is organizing "protests" in Cyprus (facebook.com/protydiyadezinformatsiyi.cpd)
Russia is attempting to stage artificial protests in Cyprus against EU support for Ukraine and against the President of Ukraine, precisely as the island hosts a key European Union summit, according to the Center for Countering Disinformation.
Who is behind the “protests”
Those involved in organizing the actions include:
- the Russian embassy in Cyprus;
- structures of Rossotrudnichestvo;
- pro-Russian public organizations.
Overall coordination is carried out by the so-called “Russian cultural center.” Such organizations often operate under the cover of cultural projects but in reality promote Moscow’s interests and propaganda abroad.
When and under what slogans
The protests were planned for April 25 under nominal anti-war slogans. The main demand is to “immediately stop EU funding for Ukraine.”
However, this follows a typical pattern: responsibility for the war is shifted onto Ukraine, the EU, and NATO, rather than Russia, which started it.
Why it won’t work
Cyprus consistently supports Ukraine and its territorial integrity — a principle that is fundamental for the island, given its own situation. EU structures have already been informed about the artificial nature of the protests and the individuals behind their organization.
As previously reported by RBC-Ukraine, on April 23, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited an informal EU summit in Cyprus, where he met with EU ambassadors. The summit took place amid an important decision on support for Ukraine.
It is worth noting that on the same day, the EU approved a €90 billion loan for Ukraine for 2026–2027 — for weapons, energy, and social payments. The first tranche may arrive as early as May–June.
