"We believe it is necessary to maintain those forces owing to the extremely sensitive circumstances and hostile environment," Peskov told the press.

In reaction to NATO military build-up, drills, and regular flights of fighter jets and spy planes near Russian borders, Russia must take precautionary steps, he warned. Even if discussions with the US and NATO on security assurances fail, Russia would not consider military action, according to Peskov.

Nonetheless, if both parties are unable to achieve an agreement, Russia is "ready to take countermeasures," he warned. Russian diplomats met with US officials in Geneva, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe in Vienna, and NATO in Brussels earlier this week. They all came to a halt without a breakthrough.

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