Russia will send two ships to the east Mediterranean to strengthen its naval presence because of the "well-known situation" there, Reuters said citing Interfax news agency, referring to the Syria crisis.

The agency quoted a source in the armed forces' general staff as saying an anti-submarine vessel and a missile cruiser would be sent in the coming days because the situation "required us to make some adjustments" in the naval force. The Defense Ministry was not immediately available for comment.