© AFP
Russia says it will create
four new military divisions this year in an effort to reinforce its military forces amid increased exercises by NATO members states. Russian Ground Forces Commander General Oleg Salyukov said on Friday Moscow plans to form the divisions in the
western and central regions of the country in 2016. "Formation of these divisions is a measure to
respond to the increase in intensity of exercises among NATO member countries that's been seen recently," said Salyukov.
Salyukov also announced that the Russian military will take part in
seven international drills this year. He said the military exercises, including a joint Russia-Pakistani drill as well as a Russian-Vietnamese exercise, will be held in "the context of interaction with our foreign partners in 2016."
Russia has long considered the expansion of NATO toward its borders a threat. Earlier this year, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a defense strategy document that declared NATO a threat to the country's national security. Putin signed the document in response to a rising military presence by NATO countries in Eastern Europe and the Baltics.
The Western military coalition has increased its troop and equipment presence in Poland and the Baltic nations in order to deter perceived Russian threats. Montenegro, a former Soviet bloc country, has been invited to join NATO.
Comment: Russia is responding to the
Pentagon's moves to increase forces in Europe, under formal alliance command, and build up American presence to counter (nonexistant) Russian threats. While Russia is "increasing what military leaders call anti-access, area denial forces - air defense systems, surface-to-surface missiles, antiship weaponry - that can be used to keep opposing military equipment at arm's length," the US and NATO are increasingly aggressive, most notably at Russia's doorstep.
Comment: Russia is responding to the Pentagon's moves to increase forces in Europe, under formal alliance command, and build up American presence to counter (nonexistant) Russian threats. While Russia is "increasing what military leaders call anti-access, area denial forces - air defense systems, surface-to-surface missiles, antiship weaponry - that can be used to keep opposing military equipment at arm's length," the US and NATO are increasingly aggressive, most notably at Russia's doorstep.