ANKARA

The Greek administration of Southern Cyprus refused five Russian warships’ request to dock at one of its ports due to Russia’s war on Ukraine, local media reported Saturday.

The Greek Cypriots refused the warships’ request to dock at Limassol for resupply with a verbal note, according to a report in the Greek Cypriot press and based on diplomatic sources.

The report said the warships had planned a visit to the Port of Limassol in line with a cooperation agreement between Russia and the Greek Cypriot administration.

Southern Cyprus also closed its airspace to Russian aircraft in line with EU-level sanctions.

Russia's war on Ukraine, launched on Feb. 24, has been met by outrage from the international community, with the EU, Britain, and the US, among others, implementing a range of economic sanctions on Russia.

According to UN figures, at least 331 civilians have been killed and 675 injured in Ukraine since the start of the 10-day war.

More than 1.2 million people have fled Ukraine to neighboring countries, according to the UN refugee agency.

* Writing by Merve Berker