MOSCOW. Dec 11 (Interfax) - The uptick in NATO activity near the Russian border is a threat to national security, Russian Navy Commander Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov said in an interview with Defense Ministry newspaper Krasnaya Zvezda.
"In preparing and carrying out the Russian Navy's developmental plans, we cannot ignore the surge in combat and operative training events held by the United States and NATO countries near our border," Yevmenov said.
"In contrast to similar events of previous years, the exercises held by the NATO Allied Joint Force involve a greater number of forces and hardware, have a broader range, and feature comprehensive training of engagement and support operations," Yevmenov said.
"Hence, there is a real threat to national security, and it is necessary to protect Russian interests in the World Ocean, which requires the availability of a modern Navy capable of dealing with such threats," he said.
NATO is practicing military assistance to the Baltic republics, Poland, Bulgaria, and Romania in case of aggression from "an enemy," whose military might is comparable with that of the North Atlantic Alliance, Yevmenov said.
"Please note that this aggression is imaginary. Training focused on the rapid deployment of reinforcements to the eastern flank of the alliance and rapidly equipping the territories of the host countries," he said.
In this context, the Russian Navy will retain its presence in the World Ocean, Yevmenov said. "More than 70 ships and vessels of various types are accomplishing missions worldwide and are flying the St. Andrew's flag with dignity," he said.