According to him, this is Ankara's reaction to statements by EU member states that Cyprus's security is a shared EU responsibility.

"It is obvious to everyone that this decision by the Turkish government is a reaction to the signal sent by Europe, by EU member states, that the security of Cyprus is the security of the European Union, and that it is also the responsibility of the EU," Christodoulides said. "Whatever they do, whatever they deploy to Cyprus — and I would recall that there are already significant occupation forces and equipment in the occupied territories — Turkey will not cease to be an occupying power in Cyprus," he added.

Greece has already deployed two frigates to patrol the island's southern coast and four fighter jets. France has sent a frigate as well as ground-based drone countermeasure and missile defense systems. The aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle is also expected to arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days.

Additionally, warships from Italy, the Netherlands and Spain are set to join the region, while the British destroyer HMS Dragon is expected later this week.