In Cyprus' Disunity, Russia Sees Opportunity

Once again, Russia is paying attention to the Eastern Mediterranean. Moscow is keen to maintain its foothold in an area that not only affects its position in the Middle East and its balance with NATO, but is also a financial haven and energy concern. On Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov played host to his Cypriot counterpart, Ioannis Kasoulides, in Moscow. Given what Russia has on its plate at the moment, such a meeting could appear superfluous, but the small island nation is a key part of Russia's strategy for the region. This is the latest in a string of meetings held with other Cypriot leaders over recent weeks, including with the head of the opposition party, Andros Kypianou. Moscow is ensuring that it has a good handle on the entirety of the island's political sphere. ...