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Cyprus port deal gives Russian navy alternative to Tartus

An agreement allowing the Russian navy access to ports in Cyprus sends a message to the EU and gives Moscow an alternative to its facility at Tartus, Syria.
A guard looks on as the Norwegian frigate "Helge Ingstad" leaves the port of Limassol in Cyprus December 28, 2013. The vessel is part of the Danish-Norwegian force that will transport Syria's chemical agents out of the country to destruction. The force is ready for a quick response when they get the green light to go into Syria. Picture taken December 28, 2013.   
    REUTERS/Lars Magne Hovtun/Norwegian Armed Forces/NTB Scanpix    (CYPRUS - Tags: MILITARY TRANSPORT POLITICS) ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE H

The Russian navy’s new access to ports in Cyprus has both symbolic and practical importance for Moscow.

At a time when the European Union has imposed harsh economic sanctions on Russia and is trying to isolate the Russian government, the Kremlin is clearly relishing every opportunity to draw attention to cracks in Europe’s unity. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Hungary — complete with a natural gas supply deal — is one example of this; the Cyprus talks are another. 

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