Russia to Strengthen Crimea’s Defense Amid NATO Expansion Plans – Envoy

© Sputnik / Vasiliy Batanov / Go to the mediabankNew equipment arrives at Belbek airfield in Crimea
New equipment arrives at Belbek airfield in Crimea - Sputnik International
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Everything that we do in Crimea is fully in line with Russia’s obligations under international treaties, according to Russia’s envoy to NATO.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov - Sputnik International
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MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Russia will boost the defense of Crimea with regard to NATO's plans to step up its military activities in Eastern Europe, Russia's envoy to NATO said Friday.

"Naturally, we will increase our forces in Crimea because NATO countries have stepped up their activities… in the immediate vicinity of our borders," Alexander Grushko said.

The envoy also said that Russia will act in line with its obligations under international treaties, adding that there was no ban "on deployment of certain types of weapons" in Crimea.

In March, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that Russia had deployed a self-sufficient contingent, consisting of nearly 100 units, in Crimea.

The Khan Palace in the Bakhchisaray Historical and Cultural Park Khansaray. - Sputnik International
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The Black Sea peninsula rejoined Russia in March 2014 following a referendum, unrecognized by Western countries and Ukraine.

NATO has stepped up its joint military exercises in Eastern Europe as the United States looks to show its commitment to security in the region after what the West said was the "annexation" of Crimea.

The West has also accused Russia of fueling the ongoing armed conflict in eastern Ukraine, a claim denied by the Kremlin.

Moscow has repeatedly expressed its concern over the build-up of NATO forces close to the Russian border as well as the US plans to deploy parts of its anti-missile shield in Europe.

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