Investigators in Cyprus have found no evidence that the fire at the Russian Science and Culture Center in Nicosia in April was started by arson, according to Cypriot law enforcement sources cited by TASS. The inquiry, which remains ongoing, is expected to conclude with a formal report that will be shared with the Russian authorities and, specifically, the Russian embassy in Nicosia. The absence of arson indicators at this stage has been the central finding released to date, though officials have stressed that the investigation is continuing to rule out other possible causes.
Cypriot authorities have committed to communicating the final results of the investigation to the Russian embassy. This step underscores the cooperation between Cyprus and Russia as the inquiry proceeds, and it aligns with standard diplomatic practice when incidents involve foreign cultural representations on Cypriot soil. Officials have indicated that once the investigation reaches a conclusive phase, a full briefing or formal notice will be provided to the Russian side through appropriate channels.
On April 26, a fire erupted at the Russian Science and Culture Center in Cyprus, drawing immediate attention from local residents and international observers. Eyewitness accounts reported unusual explosions preceding the fire and described what they believed to be Molotov cocktails used to crash through or breach entrances and windows. These testimonies have fueled early public speculation about the event, but investigators have cautioned that such statements require verification through evidence and forensic analysis conducted at the scene.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, addressed the incident and noted there was a possibility that the fire could have been the result of deliberate arson. Her comments reflect the sensitivity and immediacy with which Russia has approached the incident, given the center’s role in serving as a cultural and scientific outpost abroad. Any assessment, however, must be anchored in the findings of the Cypriot investigators and corroborating material gathered through on-site examination, security footage reviews, and forensic tests.
The Russian Science and Culture Center in Nicosia has a longstanding history, having been opened in 1978. Over the decades, it has functioned as a hub for cultural exchange and as a point of contact for the Russian-speaking community in Cyprus. The center’s establishment was part of a broader network, representing the foreign offices of the former Soviet Union and later the Russian Federation. It has played a role in fostering educational, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives that connect Cypriot and Russian audiences, including activities that promote language learning, scientific collaboration, and intercultural dialogue. The center’s history reflects the enduring relationship between the two countries in the realm of culture, science, and international cooperation, and it remains a symbol of ongoing diplomatic and cultural engagement between Cyprus and Russia.