OREANDA-NEWS Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said in an interview with Interfax that NATO was building up its military presence near the western borders of the CSTO, next to Russia and Belarus.

"European countries have embarked on the path of militarization, even despite the difficult situation in their economies. NATO's military presence is increasing, and the number of provocations in the airspace and at sea is growing," Shoigu said.

He said that NATO exercises are practicing attacks on the territory of Russia and Belarus. "For example, in the Baltic States and Poland, nine exercises were held between January 30 and February 6 this year, during which, among other things, HIMARS MLRS fire was conducted," said the Secretary of the Russian Security Council.