Russia monitors NATO’s provoking drills near its borders

 Russia is closely monitoring the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Nordic Response 24 drills, in which its new members, Finland and Sweden, are participating, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko affirmed on Monday.

“Our military is monitoring them; all necessary means are available. Our political stance is well-known: We think this drill is of a demonstrative and provocative nature,” Grushko told reporters accredited to the Russian Foreign Ministry.

“Any military exercise, especially near the line of engagement, increases the risk of military incidents. So, from the point of view of ensuring Russia’s defense capability, all necessary measures are being taken,” he stressed.

“All of this activity is further weakening European security and creating additional risks in northern Europe,” the deputy foreign minister noted.

Earlier, Finland’s Air Force announced that over 100 aircraft from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and other NATO member states will participate in the Nordic Response 24 drill.

Fighter jets, tankers, transport and surveillance aircraft, combat transport airplanes and helicopters are taking part in the maneuvers.

The military exercises are held on March 4-15 in the northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland.