Putin’s Cyprus deal gives Russia a foothold in the EU: British MPs blast island’s decision to let Moscow’s navy use its ports

‘Russia has gained a military foothold in Europe after Vladimir Putin signed a controversial deal with Cyprus to dock warships there.

British MPs said Nicosia’s decision to let the Russian navy, including heavily armed frigates, use its ports for counter-terrorism and anti-piracy was ‘worrying and disappointing’.

Cyprus, an EU member, thrashed out the agreement despite already hosting two British military bases and 3,200 troops. President Putin insisted the deal ‘should not cause worries anywhere’.

But Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades, who was visiting Moscow, hinted Russian warplanes could also be allowed to use a military airbase in Paphos, on the south-west coast of the island.’

Read more: Putin's Cyprus deal gives Russia a foothold in the EU: British MPs blast island's decision to let Moscow's navy use its ports