Russia has announced plans to begin direct flights to Turkish-occupied northern Cyprus, a state recognised only by Turkey.
This will make Russia the only nation outside of Turkey to fly directly to the territory since it declared independence from the Republic of Cyprus in 1983.
Opening up flights to the self-styled Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus could well be part of a policy to counter US influence on the island and to enhance Russia’s cooperation with Turkey as part of its alliance building around the Ukraine war. Aeroflot, the Russian flag carrier, recently resumed direct flights to Tehran, widely seen as part of moves to build a closer relationship with Iran.