The Tiny Island Grapples with Tensions Between Supporting Ukraine and Its Historical Russian Ties
As war rages in Ukraine, a growing number of displaced Ukrainians have found refuge on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, with over 3,000 fleeing the conflict since Russia’s invasion. Many of these refugees, including Xenia Karpenko, were evacuated on the last flights out of Kyiv, just days before the invasion began. Now in the seaside resort of Limassol, Karpenko, along with colleagues from a multinational IT firm, has found herself in an unfamiliar situation, uncertain of what the future holds.
While Cyprus is offering refuge, the island’s history of close ties with Russia complicates the experience for Ukrainians. Limassol, often referred to as “Limassolgrad,” has long been a haven for wealthy Russians, many of whom sought to hide their ill-gotten gains. The Russian-speaking community in Limassol, estimated to number 40,000, has shaped the city’s culture, with Russian banks, media outlets, and schools dotting the landscape.
Despite this, Cyprus has shown strong support for Ukraine since the start of the war. While tensions have arisen between Russian and Ukrainian communities—particularly among young people in schools and universities—the Cypriot government has taken significant steps to support Ukraine, including accepting over 3,000 displaced Ukrainians and delivering its largest-ever humanitarian aid package to the war-torn country.
The government has also imposed sanctions on Russia, banning Russian naval ships from Cypriot ports and refusing to allow them to resupply. Cyprus, a non-NATO member, has made it clear that it stands with the West in its condemnation of Russia’s actions, though the island’s pro-Russian elements complicate its diplomatic stance. Despite these complexities, the island’s Ukrainian community continues to grow, offering a bittersweet sanctuary for those caught in the crossfire of an ongoing war.
