Russia Able to Ensure Own Security if US Boosts Nearby Military Presence

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister said that Moscow is capable of ensuring its own security if media reports about the United States alleged plans to boost its military presence in Eastern Europe turn out to be true.

VIENNA (Sputnik) – Russia is capable of ensuring its own security if media reports about the United States’ alleged plans to boost its military presence in Eastern Europe turn out to be true, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksey Meshkov said Wednesday.

“As for recent leaks to international media about possible plans to strengthen US military presence near Russia’s borders, this reminds of Washington’s actions during the Cold War,” Meshkov told RIA Novosti.

If these alleged plans are implemented, “Russia is fully capable of ensuring its own security,” he added.

Earlier in June, Western media reported that the United States was considering options to deploy heavy military equipment in eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Estonia and, possibly Hungary.

The allegations appear to comply with US attempts to increase its military presence along Russia's borders within and outside NATO, following US accusations of Moscow's role in Ukrainian crisis.

Russia has repeatedly dismissed the allegations and stressed that military expansion toward Russian borders undermines regional security by escalating tensions.