The NATO maneuvers near Russia's borders scheduled to kick off on Friday in Finland increase the risks of possible military incidents, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has told Sputnik.
"The alliance continues its practical military exploration of a once neutral state, a respected participant in discussions on strengthening stability and security. The mentioned maneuvers near Russia's borders increase the risks of possible military incidents," Zakharova said.
Russia, for its part, is closely monitoring "the aggressive actions of the collective West," she said.
"Beyond any doubt, all necessary measures of political, military and technical nature to counter threats to the defense capability of our country will be taken," Zakharova said.
She also called the NATO exercises in Finland provocative in nature.
"The NATO military exercises near the Russian borders are provocative in nature. Their task is to exert military pressure on the Russian Federation through a demonstration of force," Zakharova noted.
She added that "representatives of the North Atlantic bloc are purposefully whipping up hysteria around the alleged 'threat' posed by Russia, including actively spreading insinuations about Russia's plans to attack the member states of the organization, to justify their aggressive endeavors."
The Russian official believes that the military exercises in Finland are part of a hybrid war against Russia.
"Helsinki is seeking to finalize its official NATO 'residence' as a ‘new recruit’ as soon as possible and become a full participant in this venture," Zakharova said.