27 Feb 2022 16:23

Putin orders putting deterrence forces on special alert in wake of NATO's aggressive statements against Russia

MOSCOW. Feb 27 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered placing the Russian army's deterrence forces on a special alert.

"Top officials of leading NATO countries make aggressive statements about our country, so I order the defense minister and the chief of the General Staff to put the Russian army's deterrence forces on a special alert," Putin said during a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Chief of the Russian Armed Forces General Staff Valery Gerasimov.

"Yes, sir," Shoigu said.

The president noted that Western countries are undertaking unfriendly actions against Russia in the economic field as well.

"I am referring to illegitimate sanctions, of which everyone is well aware," Putin said.