After the fall of the Soviet Union, many Russians migrated to Cyprus for sunnier weather and economic opportunities. Today, Russians in Cyprus balance maintaining their cultural identity and assimilating into local life. Most consider themselves Christian because they were born into the Orthodox Church, but about a third do not believe in God at all. Since the start of the war with Ukraine, life has become increasingly difficult for Russians living outside their homeland, and many have felt the need to hide their Russian identity to avoid discrimination.