NIKOSIA – Although European Union sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine has hurt Russia and barred its airlines – including to Cyprus – Moscow still is against having direct flights go to the Turkish-Cypriot occupied side of the divided island.

Yuri Pilipson, Director of the Fourth European Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry told the Russian news agency Ria-Novosti that Russia supports “a comprehensive, viable and just solution of the Cyprus problem” as set out in United Nation resolutions.

“As a permanent member of the Security Council, we seek to contribute to pursuing balanced solutions,” he said, a blow to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Turkish-Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar wanting UN recognition for the occupied northern third that’s been held since 1974 invasions.

Referring to direct flights to the north, Pilipson said Russia’s position had not changed and there was no alternative to international law as international airlines can’t go there and need to make a stopover in Turkey first.

Diplomatic sources not named told the Cyprus News Ageny that Pilipson’s statements were especially important as he was head of a directorate covering not only Cyprus, Greece and the Balkans, but Turkey as well.

Pilipson also spoke to Ria-Novosti about relations between Russia and Cyprus.

“We are obliged to acknowledge that over the past years Russian-Cypriot relations, including the economic part, have been recklessly and unjustifiably seriously damaged,” he said of the effect still lingering.

He said “as a result of the illegal sanctions, well-meaning financial entities have suffered and the interests of both Russians and Cypriots have been hit,” and that pressure was exerted by the United States, EU and United Kingdom.

“Protecting the rights of Russian citizens and their interests, including their financial ones, remains a top priority in our diplomatic work through the foreign ministry and the Russian embassy in Cyprus,” he added.

Pilipson said Russian diplomats in EU countries which are now considered as unfriendly had to face a “toxic atmosphere” because of the invasion that is in its third year and shows no signs of ending.

Cyprus has a large Russian presence, including businesses, with many signs in Russian and offering services to Russians and its banks are popular with rich Russians wanting to hide their wealth and to live on the island as expatriates.