In the afternoon of April 26, a fire erupted at the building housing the Russian Science and Culture Center, part of Rossotrudnichestvo, in Nicosia, the capital of Cyprus. Local observers in the Cyprus Times noted that the blaze began around noon, a time that aligns with Moscow’s standard daytime hours, complicating the timeline for on-site responders and investigators. The center was under renovation when the flames started, and five firefighters quickly moved to the scene to contain the incident. Nicosia’s fire chief Andrea Ketty reported that the fire rapidly spread across several floors, significantly damaging the structure and forcing an urgent response from multiple units. The scale of the damage prompted an immediate evacuation of all personnel and visitors from the building, ensuring no one remained inside as the flames took hold. This rapid evacuation was later confirmed by officials, who emphasized that the operation went smoothly and that no injuries occurred during the initial chaos. (Source: Cyprus Times)
RCSC head Alina Radchenko provided additional details, stating that eyewitnesses claimed the center’s building was struck by Molotov cocktails. She described two powerful explosions and the subsequent blaze that consumed portions of a wall and the roof. Eyewitness accounts, corroborated by security and emergency teams, indicated that the evacuation proceeded without incident and that all occupants were moved to safety. The center’s leadership insisted that the evacuation was orderly and that police had secured the area to prevent unauthorized access during and after the incident. (Source: Cyprus Times)
Witnesses also reported the presence of a suspicious white van operating near the headquarters in the days leading up to the fire. The vehicle reportedly fled the scene at the onset of the fire, drawing investigators to scrutinize any possible connection. Radchenko noted that investigators would examine all evidence, including surveillance footage and eyewitness testimonies, to determine whether the vehicle played a role in the event. (Source: Cyprus Times)
In subsequent statements, Radchenko reiterated that there were no casualties or injuries and that everyone was accounted for. She described the police and fire departments as having acted promptly, cordoning off the area to prevent further risk while work on extinguishing the blaze continued. The authorities announced that the fire had been contained and that all remaining hotspots were addressed, with a focus on ensuring there were no hidden pockets of flame. The rescue teams also checked the interior of the center to rule out the presence of anyone left behind as a precautionary measure. (Source: Cyprus Times)
By the afternoon, the fire team had reached the roof to extinguish the flames, and efforts extended to suppressing smaller fires inside the building. Oxygen tanks used during renovation work were identified as potential explosion hazards, and they were removed to the street for safety. The aims of the operation included fully extinguishing the fire from the roof and conducting a thorough internal check to guarantee there were no trapped individuals. The lead official emphasized that the investigation would consider all possible causes, with police cooperation and, if needed, input from other government agencies. (Source: Cyprus Times)
During a televised appearance on Russia 24, Radchenko pointed out that arson could be a potential cause if the information about Molotov cocktails is confirmed. She added that the attackers would be responding to what she described as a difficult position for the center, reflecting a broader political climate. Radchenko cautioned that while this theory exists, it is not yet possible to identify the perpetrators with certainty, and speculation should not replace evidence. She also noted the activity of a pro-Ukrainian diaspora in the area, along with diplomatic representatives from unfriendly states who are reportedly involved in anti-Russian activities. (Source: Russia 24, Cyprus Times)
By about 16:00, the Russian ambassador to Cyprus confirmed that the fire had been extinguished and that investigators were weighing multiple theories about the fire’s origin. The ambassador affirmed that there were no casualties and praised the timely evacuation. He stated that the investigation would pursue several lines of inquiry in the days ahead to establish the facts and determine what occurred. (Source: Russia 24)
Later, Rossotrudnichestvo chief Yevgeny Primakov commented that if the Molotov cocktail claim is verified, the incident could be classified as a terrorist attack. This assertion underscored the seriousness with which the event was being treated by the Russian side, even as authorities in Cyprus emphasized a methodical approach to uncovering the truth. (Source: RIA Novosti)