'Merkel seeks votes playing hardball to keep Cyprus afloat' (VIDEO)

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.