MOSCOW. Feb 28 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin decided to put the deterrence forces on high alert, in particular, after the statements made by the British foreign secretary, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
"Statements were made by various representatives at various levels on possible altercations or even collisions and clashes between NATO and Russia. We believe that such statements are absolutely unacceptable. I would not call the authors of these statements by name, although it was the British foreign minister," Peskov said at a press briefing on Monday.
Journalists asked Peskov what task the presidential order set for the deterrence forces and what the high alert means.
"What is there to understand? There is no second meaning or false bottom. It clearly says... This is an absolutely clear order from the supreme commander-in-chief," Peskov said.
He declined to comment whether a threat of direct clash between Russia and NATO persists.
The media said that, in the opinion of British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the Ukraine situation might eventually develop into a conflict with NATO, unless the actions of Russia were stopped.
Putin ordered on Sunday that the Russian deterrence forces be put on high alert.