MOSCOW. July 11 (Interfax) - NATO is strengthening its attack capabilities near the Russian border, an official at the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate, Maj. Gen. Andrei Sterlin, said at the State Duma on Thursday.
"For forward deployment purposes, so-called high-readiness forces comprising 30 mechanized battalions, 30 aviation squadrons, and 30 ships will be created by 2020. This goes beyond defense; in fact, an offensive fist of assault is being set up near the Russian border," Sterlin said.