Cyprus Times

The Dead Russian Diplomat, Information About Relations with Lavrov and Where Confusion Arises

Published January 16, 2026, 15:11
The Dead Russian Diplomat, Information About Relations with Lavrov and Where Confusion Arises

The death of a Russian diplomat in Nicosia has raised questions and sparked two parallel narratives. The official announcement refers to a “personal tragedy,” while journalistic investigations attempt to reveal the identity and role of the deceased, who is reportedly a cryptographer with connections to high-ranking officials in the Russian government, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. There is confusion regarding the diplomat's full name (Anton or Aleksei Panov), while reports of phone calls indicate contacts with controversial figures. Sources also mention a possible connection of the diplomat to the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR).