In response to the NATO troop movement in eastern Europe, Russian President Vladimir Putin directed his Defense Minister to create plans for the possible fortification of Russia's western borders.

"As for the strengthening of our western borders because of the actions adopted by NATO countries... this needs to be considered separately, I ask you to prepare a report," Putin told Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu during a televised meeting of Russia's Security Council. 

In response to Russia's "special military operation" in Ukraine, NATO countries have sent thousands of troops to central and eastern Europe, and Moscow has requested that NATO retreat its forces in the east.

Poland and the three Baltic states, all NATO members, have a common border with Russia. Ukraine shares borders with Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia, among others.

Earlier, NATO participated in a historic deployment of a 40,000-strong response force that will be ready year-round and will be able to respond within two or three days when a security crisis emerges.

NATO agreed to activate the force on Thursday; however, it will not be deployed to Ukraine, as it is not a member of the alliance.