Russian-born lawyer in Cyprus throws hat in ring

Local media this week got wind of a possible presidential run by a Limassol-based corporate lawyer, who was born in Russia before the dissolution of the Soviet Union and believes Cyprus should be a neutral state.

Yulia Khovrina-Komnenos, the president of United Cyprus Republican Party, is reportedly exploring a possible run in the presidential election in February 2023, according to Sigma.

Komnenos, who was born in the Soviet Union and has been living in the Republic of Cyprus since 1994, is a corporate and maritime lawyer in Limassol who speaks several languages.

In an interview back in April, Komnenos said membership in the European Union and other groups “should not be an excuse to forget about the priority of national interests and to automatically rubber stamp any decision taken abroad.”

A political source cited by Sigma reportedly said Komnenos’ center party, which was founded in 2021, was not associated with another Russian party on the island.

Speaking on the conflict in Ukraine, Komnenos had called on local politicians “to abstain from any actions which may result in taking sides in the armed conflict in Ukraine,” saying it was in the national interest of the Republic of Cyprus “to stay neutral and by such neutrality to protect all of the people of Cyprus and their well beings.”

“It is clear and it is part of our manifest that Cyprus should be a neutral state. Passive or active support of any side of the armed conflict does not contribute to peace,” she said.

Komnenos also said in her April interview that “hostilities in Ukraine is a direct result of dis-balanced European security system.”

“Our party is aiming to contribute to re-establishment of balanced European security system. When in power we will make sure that the Republic of Cyprus takes necessary steps to détente and to promote peace in the East Med region,” she stated.

The United Cyprus Republican Party, a new political force on the island since last year, says it stands for a united single country and against foreign troops on the island. It also wants to inspire young Cypriots and lead the country into the era of modern society of justice and freedom.