Russian defense minister Sergei Shoygu said on Wednesday that the country is refining its defenses on its western flank in response to what it regards as NATO's aggressive actions.

"NATO is increasing its military presence in the Baltic states. They are improving the infrastructure of their sea ports, aerodromes and other military facilities. This is a clear demonstration of the obvious unwillingness of Western partners to abandon their anti-Russian course,” said Shoygu.

Earlier on Monday, Russian jets intercepted two US planes over the Baltic Sea . According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the first US spy plane was intercepted as it flew towards the Russian border, and a second US plane was intercepted in the same area ten minutes later. The US officials criticized the military maneuver, saying a Russian jet flew just one-and-a-half meters away from the wingtip of one US plane.

Related story: