“The US and NATO actions in the European region to increase the combat readiness of troops and strengthen the forward presence contribute to the growth of the military threat.
The military infrastructure is being modernized, the intensity of operational and combat training is growing, and the American "four to thirty" concept is being implemented.
Nationalist sentiments are heating up in Ukraine, which provokes an armed conflict in Donbass, including in areas bordering on Russia, ”the minister said.
Shoigu also recalled that "in response to the threatening military activities of NATO," Russia took appropriate measures.
“As you know, a sudden check of the combat readiness of the troops of the Western and Southern military districts was carried out.
Two armies and three airborne units have been successfully deployed to the western borders, to areas where training and combat missions are being carried out, ”said the head of the Russian Defense Ministry.
The minister also said that Russia is closely monitoring the transfer and deployment of NATO forces in Europe during the Defender Europe exercises.
As Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg reported in 2018, the “four to thirty” concept is that 30 mechanized battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 warships can be put on alert within 30 days or less.