Ukraine conflict spills into Cyprus school spats

As the conflict between Russia and Ukraine rages, it risks spilling into an unlikely arena -– classrooms and playgrounds in Cyprus, home to a sizable Russian population and a smaller Ukrainian community.

Trouble appeared to brew in schools in several cities, but especially Limassol, a seaside magnet on the holiday island and a financial hub that is sometimes dubbed “Moscow on the Med”.

At another school in Limassol, staff sent an email appealing to parents to shield their children from their opinions on the conflict.

“As is human nature the children have been sharing the views of their parents with each other,” wrote Costas Constantinides, general facilitator at Lighthouse school.

“This has led to conflict, blaming and shaming,” he lamented in the email, which was also posted on Facebook.