New Delhi, Feb 28 (IANS) Russian ground units, equipped with intercontinental ballistic missiles as well as vessels from the Northern and Pacific Fleets, have been placed on high combat alert, the Russian Defence Ministry confirmed on Monday.
The Russian Navy includes submarines armed with nuclear missiles, RT reported.
The ministry said the move was made in accordance with the order issued by President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, RT reported.
Putin cited "illegitimate sanctions" against Russia and "aggressive statements" by Western officials, without elaborating.
Many countries, including the US, the UK and EU member states, have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia in response to its military operation in Ukraine.
Earlier, Putin had placed the country's nuclear deterrent forces on "special" alert on Sunday, RT reported.
The move was announced during Putin's meeting with Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu and Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov.
"Western countries are not only taking unfriendly actions against our country in the economic area. I'm speaking about the illegitimate sanctions that everyone is well aware of. However, the top officials of the leading NATO countries also make aggressive statements against our country as well," Putin stated.
The move comes in response to 'hostile' rhetoric by top NATO officials, Putin said, RT reported.
ADVT
International
Russia puts nuclear forces on high combat alert
MORE International ARTICLES
Japanese Student Hands In 'Blank' Report, Gets Full Marks. Here's Why
A Japanese student of ninja history was recently commended by her teacher for handing in a blank sheet of paper on an assignment that required her to write an essay on ninjas.
Japanese Student Hands In 'Blank' Report, Gets Full Marks. Here's Why
WATCH: 15-Year-Old Indian-Origin Boy Ranveer Singh Sandhu Lauded As Britain's Youngest Accountant
Ranveer Singh Sandhu, based in south London, has set himself a goal of becoming a millionaire by the time he turns 25 after he set up his first business when he was aged just 12 years.
WATCH: 15-Year-Old Indian-Origin Boy Ranveer Singh Sandhu Lauded As Britain's Youngest Accountant
After Reptiles, Pakistani Singer Rabi Pirzada Poses With Suicide Bomber Vest To Threaten PM Narendra Modi
After threatening to unleash reptiles on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over abrogation of Article 370 in Kashmir, Pakistani pop singer Rabi Pirzada is now warning him with a suicide attack.
After Reptiles, Pakistani Singer Rabi Pirzada Poses With Suicide Bomber Vest To Threaten PM Narendra Modi
US Urged To Save Hindu Principal Charged With Blasphemy In Pakistan
As Pakistan's blasphemy laws guarantee the death penalty or life imprisonment, it has become common for radical Islamic groups in that country to slap blasphemy charges on locals who are unwilling to convert
US Urged To Save Hindu Principal Charged With Blasphemy In Pakistan
US Assures India Of 'Partnership', As Congress Members Criticise Kashmir Restrictions
"When we see Indian institutions have failed or respond slowly it is something that we take up but this is not a relationship of dictation, it is a relationship of partnership," Alice Wells, the Acting Assistant Secretary of State
US Assures India Of 'Partnership', As Congress Members Criticise Kashmir Restrictions
Religious Conflict Over JUI's 'Azadi March' In Pakistan
With Barelvi religious leaders opposing the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Fazl's (JUI-F) proposed 'Azadi march', the religious and political differences between different sects in Pakistan have resurfaced.