Moscow Monitoring Movement of NATO Forces Near Russian Borders - Kremlin

Moscow is monitoring the movement of NATO forces near Russia's borders and taking measures to ensure the country's safety, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Anaconda 2016, one of the largest military drills held in Poland over 25 years, began on June 6 and will last until June 17. It involves troops from over 20 NATO member states, bringing together some 31,000 servicemen, 100 aircraft, 12 vessels and 3,000 vehicles.

In the beginning of June, the international naval exercise BALTOPS kicked off in the Baltic Sea and will continue until June 19. BALTOPS is an annual military exercise, held and sponsored by US Naval Forces Europe in the Baltic Sea and the surrounding regions since 1971.

This year, approximately 6,100 troops from 17 countries along with 45 submarines and warships, including the USS Mount Whitney, and over 60 aircraft are taking part in one of the largest drills in northern Europe.

"Our defense ministry and the relevant services, are properly monitoring changes in the deployment of foreign forces near our borders. They are analyzing all these movements and, of course, taking necessary measures to fulfill their obligations, namely protecting Russia's interests and ensuring its security," Peskov told reporters.

NATO has been reinforcing its military presence in Europe, particularly in the Eastern European states, since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, citing Russia's alleged interference in the conflict as a justification for the move. Moscow has repeatedly denied the accusations, calling NATO's military buildup near Russia’s borders provocative.