Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, at a meeting of the Russian-French council in the 2+2 format, pointed out that the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO) continues to increase its presence near the borders of the Russian Federation. Deputy Head of the Military Department Alexander Fomin told reporters about this on November 12.
"The Defense Minister noted at the meeting that the military-political situation in Europe is deteriorating. The buildup of NATO's military presence near the Russian borders continues. At the same time, he pointed out that Russian initiatives aimed at increasing predictability and reducing the risks of incidents remain in force," he told reporters after a meeting of representatives of the two countries in Paris.
During the talks, the sides exchanged views on the situation on the European continent, the situation in the Middle East region and North Africa.
"Important topics of strategic stability and European security, arms control, and bilateral relations were also touched upon," the Deputy minister added.
Earlier in the day, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the intensity of aerial reconnaissance of NATO countries near the borders of Russia continues to grow. Over the past day, six flights of Alliance reconnaissance aircraft have been recorded over the Black Sea.
The ministry added that the US Navy vessels consisting of the destroyer Porter, the staff ship Mount Whitney and the tanker John Lenthall, after making the transition from the Georgian port of Batumi, are in the southwestern part of the Black Sea and continue to move westward.
It is emphasized that the Russian side regards the aggressive military activity of the United States in the Black Sea region as a threat to regional security and strategic stability.
The day before, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov noted that NATO exercises in the Black Sea are a matter of concern for Russian leader Vladimir Putin. He also said that there are constant operational contacts between the military to de-escalate the situation.
Sources in the military department told Izvestia that NATO aviation is trying to probe the situation in Crimea. In addition to conducting electronic reconnaissance, USAF E-8 and U-2 aircraft could conduct reconnaissance using radar.
Senator from Crimea Olga Kovitidi, in turn, said that Russia is ready to neutralize any provocations in the Black Sea region. She stressed that an extensive combat-ready grouping of ground troops and forces of the Black Sea Fleet has been deployed on the peninsula, capable of repulsing the Armed Forces of both the United States and its allies.