As tensions continue to escalate between the U.S. and Russia, the Kremlin has called Vice President Joe Biden's threat to 'send a message' through America's own cyber strike 'unprecedented'.

Russia said it would protect itself from a potentially unpredictable attack from the U.S., the New York Post reported.

'The threats directed against Moscow and our state’s leadership are unprecedented because they are voiced at the level of the US vice president.

'To the backdrop of this aggressive, unpredictable line, we must take measures to protect (our) interests, to hedge risks,' a Kremlin spokesman said, according to RIA Novosti news agency.

The Kremlin has called vice president Joe Biden's threat to 'send a message' through America's own cyber strike 'unprecedented'

Russia said it would protect itself from the 'unpredictability and aggressiveness of the United States'. Pictured, President Vladimir Putin watches the launch of a missile during naval exercises

Just one day early, Biden told NBC News: 'We're sending a message. We have the capacity to do it. It will be at the time of our choosing, and under the circumstances that will have the greatest impact.'

U.S. intelligence officials told NBC News the CIA 'had already begun opening cyber doors, selecting targets and making other preparations for an operation'.

Moscow has been accused of posturing to the rest of the world by prepping civilians for potential war, instructing them to check on the availability of bomb shelters and gas masks.

In response, US intelligence officials told NBC News that the CIA is preparing for a possible cyber attack on the Kremlin to embarrass its leadership.

Russia's UN ambassador also admitted on Friday he feels that tensions are at an all-time high.

Vitaly Churkin said that Cold War relations between the Soviet Union and Russia more than 40 years ago were different than U.S.-Russia relations today.

'The general situation I think is pretty bad at this point, probably the worst... since 1973,' he said in an interview with three journalists at Russia's U.N. Mission.

But Churkin said that 'even though we have serious frictions, differences like Syria, we continue to work on other issues ... and sometimes quite well'.

Tensions between the west and Russia are escalating to their worst levels, caused in part by the Kremlin's bombing campaign of Syria (pictured)

Churkin said that is different than during the Cold War when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack against Israel on the holiest day in the Jewish calendar in October 1973, the Mideast was thrown into turmoil.

And according to historians, the threat of an outbreak of fighting between the Soviet Union, which backed the Arabs, and the United States, Israel's closest ally, during the Yom Kippur War was the highest since the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

Churkin said there are 'a string of things' that have brought U.S.-Russian relations to their current low point.

'It's kind of a fundamental lack of respect and lack of in-depth discussions' on political issues, he said.

Churkin said Russia would like to normalize relations with the United States.

'If the change of administration is going to help, that's fine,' he said.

But even if President Barack Obama stayed for another term, which he is barred from doing, 'we would be pushed to trying to get back to normal in our relations'.

Many defense experts believe Russia is not intent on war but is instead throwing its weight around to deter western countries from intervening with Russian bombing in Syria.

Among the 'stunts' carried out by the Kremlin have been state-sponsored television guides on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil

The Kremlin has reportedly moved nuclear-ready missiles closer to the border with Poland. A Russian truck-mounted Topol intercontinental ballistic missile is pictured

Among the 'stunts' carried out by the Kremlin have been state-sponsored television guides on how to prepare in the event of an attack on Russian soil.

State-controlled media has also carried news bulletins warning civilians to familiarize themselves with the nearest bomb shelters and clarifying which government bodies would take command in the breakout of war.

Last week Russia moved nuclear-capable Iskander ballistic missiles into one of its regions on the Baltic Sea - prompting a fearful response from Poland and Estonia.

Russia says the missiles are being deployed as part of regular military maneuvers to Kaliningrad, but it comes amid heightened tensions between the country and the West over Syria.

At the time, Polish Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said Poland considers the matter of 'highest concern' and is monitoring the situation.

Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid a furious row over the Syrian conflict

It comes as the administration of US President Barack Obama prepares for a possible cyber strike on the Kremlin.

The covert operation has been prepped to ensure that Russian hackers are unable to interfere with the Presidential vote in November, NBC News reported.

Earlier this month, reports from Moscow suggested the Kremlin had ordered officials to fly home all relatives living abroad - with some residents claiming it is 'another step towards war'.

The Kremlin is said to have told high ranking officials to bring their loved ones back to the 'Motherland' immediately - with any who disobey being overlooked for promotion.

It follows a backdrop of rapidly deteriorating relations with the West over Russia's role in the Syria conflict. Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid a furious row.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev warned just days ago that the world is at a 'dangerous point' due to rising tensions between Russia and the US.