Cyprus to become a Russian naval base?!

Recently, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades publicly declared the country's readiness to host a Russian naval base and air force units. Negotiations with the Russian President on this issueare scheduled to take place on 25 February.

Russian media eagerly informed citizens that Russia would soon be able to control practically the entire Mediterranean Sea.

However, the press forgot to clarify that the decision on the placement of bases would be made by NATO member Turkey, which in turn would have to obtain approval from the NATO Council.

A perfectly reasonable question arises: why is the President of Cyprus making such statements?

The answer, most likely, lies in the current financial situation of Greece and Cyprus, as well as the approaching tourist season.

The Cypriot government, thus, decided to "play on the heightened emotions of Russians" and attract Russian tourists, as well as Russian investments to the island. Moreover, Russian loans are desperately needed, as the EU has apparently grown tired of pouring money into Greece and Cyprus.

Addendum.

This morning, Cyprus officially denied information about its readiness to host Russian bases on its territory, although this is unlikely to be reported by Russian media.