The Soviet Union and Cyprus in 1974 Events

The Cypriot-Russian relations are generally perceived as excellent. However, as some primary sources show the Soviet Union (SU) could/did not act as an "excellent friend" during the military attack of Turkey towards Cyprus in 1974. The aim of this paper is to examine the background and the reasons of the failure of the SU in helping Cyprus during 1974. The constraints of the SU on Cyprus were its connections with Turkey and the United States (US). The SU started rapprochement with Turkey and détente with the US before the 1974 events and these developments have changed their relations dramatically. The SU and the US had to prevent any conflict on Cyprus from complicating their relations. Consequently during the Greek coup and military attack of Turkey, they did not take any initiative because of the existing balance between them. The SU was an observer during the events and aimed to secure the "existing Constitution".