Crisis linked with German electoral cycle

'Merkel seeks votes playing hardball to keep Cyprus afloat'

Chancellor Angela Merkel warned Cyprus 'not to test the boundaries of the Troika's patience'. That's after one avenue of rescue - a deal with Russia, all but evaporates. Nicosia and Moscow failed to agree on a rescue plan, after intense negotiations in the Russian capital.

RT's news editor Ivor Crotty says the rivalry over Cyprus began more than a year ago.