Russia could target UK’s bases in Cyprus, pro-Putin journalist says

A prominent Russian state television journalist has sparked controversy by suggesting British military bases in Cyprus could face missile attacks in response to Western support for Ukraine.

Tina Kandelaki, a Georgian-born media figure known for her pro-Kremlin stance, made the remarks while discussing U.S. approval for Ukraine to use ATACMS tactical missiles against Russian targets.

“Do you know what I would advise you not to do in the coming months, after the megalomaniac Zelensky received permission to launch American, British and French missiles on Russian territory?” Kandelaki said on Russian state television.

“It’s just a few hundred kilometres from Syria and Lebanon to Cyprus, and various armed groups in these countries could accidentally divert their missiles to strike British bases”, Kandelaki said, according to German news site News.de, which described her as a “Putin propagandist”.

The comments came during a broadcast on Russian state television, where Kandelaki was discussing the wider implications of Western military support for Ukraine.

Her remarks have drawn attention from several European media outlets, highlighting growing tensions over the conflict’s potential regional impact.

In-Cyprus