Source: NATO Frigates Tried to Conduct Electronic Reconnaissance of Russian Ships in Mediterranean

Moscow has repeatedly raised concerns over NATO intensifying its activity near Russian borders, as the West has continued its accusations about Russia allegedly planning to "invade" nearby Ukraine.

NATO frigates attempted to conduct electronic reconnaissance of Russian ships during the exercises of the Navy units in the Mediterranean Sea, a source told Sputnik early on Wednesday.

"NATO frigates tried to conduct electronic reconnaissance of Russian ships during an episode of scheduled exercises by the Russian Navy grouping in the eastern Mediterranean on Tuesday," the source said.

The crews of Russian missile cruisers detected radar emissions from the NATO vessels. The Russian military determined their location and took them under escort.

The Russian military drills in the Mediterranean, which kicked off on Tuesday, involve 15 warships and over 30 aircraft of the Russian Air Force. The exercise is part of a broader series of naval drills that started last month amid tensions between Russia and NATO.

On 25 January, NATO launched military exercises in the area with a US aircraft carrier strike group and the forces of other alliance members participating in joint maneuvers.

The exercises are taking place amid claims expressed by Washington and its allies concerning Russia’s alleged military buildup near Ukraine's borders and speculations of an "invasion".

In a phone call with US State Secretary Antony Blinken on Monday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on the United States and its allies "to engage in a pragmatic dialogue on the entire range of issues raised by Russia with an emphasis on the principle of indivisibility of security."

Moscow has repeatedly rejected the allegations about an "incursion", warning in turn of the possibility of provocations by Kiev in a bid to resolve the crisis in southeastern Ukraine by means of force. The Kremlin noted that any actions that bypass the Minsk Accords would lead to the most serious consequences.