The Russian Defense Ministry has a plan in place to ensure the country's security in the case of NATO expansion, the Kremlin's Spokesman said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Dmitry Peskov said the defense wing of the Government is working to ensure Russia's security.
"Such options (in case of NATO expansion) are being worked out not in the Kremlin, but in the Defense Ministry. We have already said many times that there are relevant plans (in place), and work is underway to ensure our security," he stressed.
In response to a question, Peskov denied media reports that Chinese President Xi Jinping had refused to visit Russia, saying the visit would take place once Beijing lifted all COVID-19 restrictions.
He said, "The fact is that certain coronavirus restrictions are still in effect in China, and this is absolutely normal, and it needs to be treated with understanding.
"Russian President Vladimir Putin has a valid invitation to visit China, and Xi has a valid invitation to visit Russia. And, as all of these restrictions are eased, all visits will be carried out," he said.
