Russia has expressed its opposition to direct flights to the north of Cyprus and the militarisation of the eastern Mediterranean.

Director of the Fourth European Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, Yuri Pilipson, told Russian news agency Ria-Novosti that his country was closely monitoring developments in the eastern Mediterranean.

“We oppose its militarisation and actions leading to the increase of conflict dynamics,” he said in statements to Ria-Novosti, carried by the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).

He added that Russia supports “a comprehensive, viable and just solution of the Cyprus problem” as set out in UN resolutions.

“As a permanent member of the Security Council, we seek to contribute to pursuing balanced solutions,” he said.

Referring to direct flights to the north, Pilipson said Russia’s position had not changed and there was no alternative to international law.

Diplomatic sources told CNA that Pilipson’s statements were especially important as he was head of a directorate covering not only Cyprus, Greece and the Balkans, but Turkey as well.

Pilipson also spoke to Ria-Novosti about relations between Russia and Cyprus.

“We are obliged to acknowledge that over the past years Russian-Cypriot relations, including the economic part, have been recklessly and unjustifiably seriously damaged,” he said.

He added that “as a result of the illegal sanctions, well-meaning financial entities have suffered and the interests of both Russians and Cypriots have been hit.”

Pilipson said the pressure on Russia is “dictated by Brussels, Washington and London.”

“Protecting the rights of Russian citizens and their interests, including their financial ones, remains a top priority in our diplomatic work through the foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Cyprus,” he added.

Pilipson said Russian diplomats in EU countries – considered “non-friendly states” by Moscow – had to face a “toxic atmosphere” and expressed hope that Belgrade would not arm the Zelenskyy regime.