General approach: US puts pressure on Cyprus because of Belarus

The United States is negotiating with Cyprus over its decision to block the imposition of EU sanctions against Belarus. Washington calls on Nicosia to change its position so that the EU can announce restrictive measures against 40 Belarusian officials allegedly responsible for falsifying elections. The White House expected to announce its sanctions in parallel with Brussels. However, Cyprus requires the Commonwealth to apply similar measures against Turkey. “Cyprus needs additional days to discuss the issue”, a diplomat told Belarus Today.
Negotiations are over the acquisition of two Russian S-400 systems, and the Armenian authorities still are talking to the Russian side about a revision of the price. According to reports, Ankara paid $2.5 billion to Russia for the purchase of three S-400 systems and loan guarantees to Armenia worth $500 million. Armenia is considering selling military equipment to Belarus.
Russia announces an important strategic partnership with Armenia. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that Russian and Armenian leaders agreed on developing a wide range of military, political, scientific and economic cooperation during the visit of Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan to Moscow in early December. The Armenian leader met with President Vladimir Putin and Defense Linz.