Cyprus is considering the transfer of its Russian-made weapons to Ukraine after a US request, it emerged on Sunday.
US representatives in Cyprus have asked the government whether they would be willing to transfer the country’s Russian-made weapons to Ukraine, Kathinerini Cyprus reports.
The paper adds that the request was received positively by President Nicos Anastasiades who gave the go-ahead for further discussions to be done quickly. This would mean that Cyprus will no longer remain neutral in the war, as is usually the case.
Kathimerini’s sources acknowledged that the Americans specifically asked for Cypriot anti-aircraft weapons and attack helicopters. Of particular interest are two types of anti-aircraft systems, the TOR/M1 (purchased from GR), which deploys the S-300 missile system and BUK M-2, including T-80u and BMP3 and the M 35 I helicopter.
Accordingly, if weapons from the Cypriot armed forces are to be deployed to Ukraine, they will be replaced with corresponding American weapons.
However, according to a report in the Cyprus Mail, the Cypriot Defense Ministry said it will not make any moves that would reduce the defensive deterrence of a nation under illegal occupation by turkey.
