In Athens, NATO chief sees spike in Russian flights on border

Special forces of the Greek navy participate in the Greek joint exercise titled 'Pyrpolitis' of the Greek Rapid Reaction Defence Force near Platia islet, in the Saronic Gulf, Greece, Thursday. NATO Secretary General Jens attended the exercise during his visits in Athens for talks with the Greek government.

NATO's new chief said on Thursday the alliance is increasing its readiness and air policing following a spike in Russian air force activity in Eastern Europe.

Jens Stoltenberg said while NATO is not back on Cold War terms with its former arch-enemy, recent Russian behavior has severely undermined the trust built up over decades.

Tensions have been running high between NATO and Russia since Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in March.

Speaking Thursday during a visit to Athens, Stoltenberg said the trans-Atlantic military alliance "remains vigilant" in view of this year's tripling of Russian military flights along NATOs eastern borders.

He also urged Russia to remove its forces from Ukraine and warned against plans by pro-Russian separatists to hold local elections in eastern Ukraine. Russia denies having forces in Ukraine. [AP]

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