President Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday slammed Turkey for failing to align by the sanctions imposed on Russia as a result of its invasion of Ukraine, saying this impacted the effectiveness of the measures.

Speaking during the first day of the informal EU meeting at Versailles on how to address Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Anastasiades called Turkey’s stance “unacceptable” suggesting the country is serving its own interests, a government statement said.

Cyprus, as a country under occupation for almost 48 years, that still experiences the consequences of the Turkish invasion, fully understands what is now happening in Ukraine, the president said and expressed Cyprus’ firm support for diplomatic efforts to end the war.

He also referred to issues of strengthening the EU’s defence capabilities to be able to act as a reliable security provider, where necessary, in the EU’s wider neighbourhood, which includes the Eastern Mediterranean region.

President Anastasiades also stressed that the threats and challenges that the European Union and its member states face from Turkey should be taken into account in the EU’s planning.

Regarding the issue of the EU’s energy independence, Anastasiades referred to the important role that Cyprus has to play, including through partnerships with countries of the wider region for the transfer of energy to Europe.

He focused on natural gas and the diversification of energy supply sources and routes through the implementation of cross-border interconnections. He gave the example of the electrical interconnection of the Eastern Mediterranean region with Europe as planned through the Euroafrica and Euroasia interconnectors, as well as to the significant prospects for the transfer of green energy, including hydrogen as a raw material, from the wider Middle East region to the European Union.

The EU’s immediate, united and decisive reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine demonstrates the union’s ability to take decisions on such issues, regardless of the cost, Anastasiades said according to the government statement.

Earlier, he had tweeted the meeting with the EU leaders would discuss the “extremely worrying developments” in Ukraine and their consequences.

“The European Union and its member states stand united in their strong condemnation of Russia’s unjustified military aggression against Ukraine,” the president wrote.

EU leaders met for the two-day meeting on Thursday to find ways to urgently address the fallout of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as the battle raged for the 15th day.