Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday warned Russia that Ankara has alternatives to Moscow for building its first nuclear power plant and importing gas, as tensions rise over the Russian bombing campaign in Syria.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday warned Russia that Ankara has alternatives to Moscow for building its first nuclear power plant and importing gas, as tensions rise over the Russian bombing campaign in Syria.

Russia is building Turkey’s first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu on the shores of the Mediterranean, a controversial $20 billion project aimed at improving its energy self sufficiency.

Speaking to Turkish reporters en route to Japan, Erdogan warned Moscow such cooperation was at risk due to its bombing of Syria and violations of Turkish airspace.

“Losing Turkey would entail significant losses for Russia,” Erdogan said. “Others can build the Akkuyu plant if the Russians don’t.”

“Russia has already invested $3 billion in this project. In this case, it’s Russia who should act with more prudence.”

He added that energy-poor Turkey was even capable of going elsewhere for its natural gas supplies.

“We are a number one consumer of Russian natural gas. If necessary, Turkey can take its natural gas from many other different places,” he added.

Erdogan this week warned Russian President Vladimir Putin he risked losing Turkey as a friend if Moscow continues its behavior in Syria.

Ankara, a NATO member, is angry over Russia’s air campaign in Syria to eliminate the armed groups operating in the country, the same groups that western media reports talk about obtaining direct support with money, weapons and training from the Turkish government.