Russian military activity not response to U.S. missile test - Peskov
MOSCOW. Aug 26 (Interfax) - The Russian military activity of recent days is routine; it is not a response to the tests of a U.S. missile which contravenes the terminated Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said at a press briefing on Monday.
"Exercises and the like are the routine work of the Russian army," Peskov said when asked whether the intensified military activity of recent days could be seen as the implementation of an executive order from President Vladimir Putin's on reciprocating U.S. missile trials.
The journalist who asked the question was referring to the recent drills in Kaliningrad, ballistic missiles test-fired by the Northern Fleet, and flights of fighter jets over Crimea.
"As regards an asymmetric answer, I have no doubt that one will be given and everything will be done to ensure national security," Peskov said.
Peskov referred journalists to the Defense Ministry for details.
"Activity in terms of military development and due preparedness of our forces has lately been quite intensive," he said.