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“Russia is not an enemy”: Protest in Nicosia over Zelensky’s arrival

Published January 7, 2026, 14:18

In Nicosia, Russian citizens living and working in Cyprus held a protest outside the Thoc, prompted by the arrival of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the inauguration of the Cypriot Presidency of the European Council. Protesters held banners and placards with slogans such as “Stop sanctions against Russia”, “Direct flights Russia-Cyprus now”, and “Russia is not our enemy”. The protest appears to express opposition to policies related to Ukraine and support for Russia within the Cypriot community.