The Kremlin has reacted sharply to the possibility of Ukraine's accession to NATO. Dmitry Peskov, a spokesman for the Russian president, said it would be the worst-case scenario. This was reported by TASS.

According to Dmytro Peskov, prior to the relocation of Russian troops to Ukraine's borders, «massive NATO exercises were held there at the Russian border».

Peskov also commented on the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO.

«This is a scenario that goes beyond the red lines of Russia's national interests. This is a scenario that could force Russia to take active measures to ensure its own security,» Peskov said.

Russia, meanwhile, has carried out a mass landing of tactical troops in the occupied Crimea. Crews of about 20 Mi-8 AMTSh attack helicopters were involved in the training – a total of about 8,000 servicemen, almost 350 units of armaments and military equipment.

This was reported on the website of the Russian Defense Ministry.

The purpose of the exercises is to «block and destroy militants», as well as «prevent terrorist attacks and destabilize the situation in the regions».