REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, MOSCOW -- The US Department of Defense is concerned over Russia's increasing military presence near the gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, said US Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel.

"Well, the very aggressive Russian behavior over the last few months is a concern," Hagel said Friday at the Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota, as stated on the department's official website.

"This is a different time. This is a time where all powers must be responsible. And behaviors are noted. And responsible behavior is essential for powers. And this talk that has come out of Russia about a more aggressive approach to over-flights, in particular, Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, is not helpful. And I would hope the Russian leaders are responsible in their behavior and their actions," he continued.

Earlier on Wednesday, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the country needed to maintain military presence in the region.

According to Shoigu, Russia's military presence is essential considering current political situation, provided that sending military bombers to the Gulf region and increasing their military presence was part of the country's military drills.

The minister has also noted that the military training will include flights along the Russian border and the Arctic Ocean.

Russia's plans come as NATO has stepped up its activities near the Russian border, including in the Black Sea and Baltic waters.

Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated significantly, as Western politicians and media have repeatedly accused Russia of meddling in Ukraine's internal affairs and aiding independence supporters in Ukraine's southeast. Moscow has repeatedly denied these allegations.

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