The Russian side takes into account in its military planning the expansion of NATO contingents in countries along the "eastern flank" of the alliance, Vladislav Maslennikov, director of the Department of European Issues at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with Sputnik.
"In accordance with the decisions taken in the alliance, work is currently underway to increase the number of battalion tactical groups to the brigade level in all member countries of the bloc along the so-called 'eastern flank.' Bulgaria is no exception in this regard. We consider this to be a manifestation of aggression. We, in turn, are aware of these provocative preparations, assess the associated risks and threats to Russia's security, take this into account in our military planning and, if necessary, take appropriate compensatory countermeasures," the source said.