The UK and Cyprus have forged a partnership aimed at combating organized crime and addressing illicit Russian finances, following Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's historic visit to Nicosia on December 10, 2024.

This visit marks the first bilateral meeting of a British prime minister with Cypriot leaders in over 50 years, since Edward Heath's visit in 1971.

During the meeting, Starmer emphasized the importance of joint efforts to cut off illicit finance, which he believes is crucial to weakening Putin's military campaign and maintaining global stability.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has been proactive in implementing sanctions, successfully freezing approximately $1.89 billion in Russian assets since the onset of the Ukraine invasion.

Cyprus has also joined the UK's 'Shadow Fleet' initiative, which aims to prevent Russian vessels from evading oil trade sanctions, with support from 46 countries and the European Union.

The collaboration between the UK and Cyprus will enhance intelligence sharing and investigations into sanctions evasion related to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Under the agreement, the UK will establish a specialized unit to share expertise and intelligence with Cyprus, bolstering the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.

This partnership will introduce new analytical tools designed to track and disrupt sanctions evasion linked to Russian financial activities.

Starmer highlighted the necessity of working with allies to safeguard national security and interests during his visit.

In addition to financial crime training, UK Revenue and Customs will also provide training to Cypriot customs officers to combat illicit tobacco trafficking.

The UK's National Crime Agency is set to provide financial crime training to Cypriot law enforcement in 2025, further strengthening their collaborative efforts.

However, Starmer's decision not to meet with TRNC President Ersin Tatar has raised concerns about the implications for diplomatic relations.