cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/51052747

Ukraine has accused Russia of organizing staged “anti-war” protests in Cyprus in an effort to disrupt discussions among European leaders over continued financial and military support for Kyiv, according to Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation on April 24.

Russian-backed actors are attempting to influence the outcome of a high-level EU meeting taking place on the island, where President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is presenting proposals for deeper defense integration across Europe.

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The protests, expected to continue through April 25, are reportedly coordinated by Russian diplomatic and cultural structures operating in Cyprus, including the embassy, Rossotrudnichestvo

-linked networks, and a so-called Russian cultural center. Ukrainian officials allege these groups routinely promote Moscow’s influence abroad under the cover of cultural initiatives.

“These actions are presented as a ‘struggle for peace,’ while in reality they push for ending EU financial support to Ukraine,” the Center said. It added that the campaign also promotes narratives suggesting that military assistance to Kyiv “prolongs the war,” a claim Ukrainian officials describe as an attempt to shift responsibility for Russia’s aggression.

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