Russian Defense Minister Announces Measures in Response to Growing NATO Activity, Finland's Inclusion

Russia has called on its troops to be prepared as NATO continues to strengthen its military presence near the country's borders, with the recent inclusion of Finland in the Alliance.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced strategic measures to reinforce force groupings in the north-western and western strategic directions during a thematic teleconference with the leadership of the Russian Armed Forces at the National Centre for State Defence Control.

Shoigu mentioned that the Moscow and Leningrad military districts have been established for this purpose. A Presidential Decree dated February 26, 2024, established the military-administrative division of Russia, assigning territories to the military districts.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko recently claimed that over 30,000 NATO troops and more than 1,000 armored vehicles have been deployed to the borders of Russia and Belarus. NATO's large-scale exercise, Steadfast Defender 2024, which began at the end of January and runs until May 31, involves approximately 90,000 military personnel, 50 warships, 80 aircraft, and 1,100 units of ground equipment, including 133 tanks, and is taking place in the Baltic countries, Poland, and Germany.

The Russian Defence Minister emphasized that these measures will enhance command and control effectiveness, allowing for a continued improvement in the composition and structure of the Armed Forces to address emerging threats to the country's military security.