Russian Defense Minister Shoigu inspected Russian troops in Ukraine on the 17th.

(Associated Press)

[Compiled Guan Shuping/Comprehensive Report] The Russian Ministry of Defense, which is preparing to expand its military to 1.5 million people, announced on the 17th that it will carry out large-scale organizational adjustments to the military, including the establishment of new headquarters in neighboring European regions, strengthening sea, air, and strategic forces. The combat effectiveness of the missile force will also set up "self-sufficient" units in the annexed areas of Ukraine.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu delivered a speech to military generals on the 17th, announcing new organizational adjustments. New organizational units will be established around Moscow, St. Petersburg and the Karelia region on the border with Finland in the northwest.

Shoigu said that these major adjustments from this year to 2026 will be extended to all units of the Russian military and will coordinate the delivery of new weapons in response to the expansion of the army.

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Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the military build-up was in response to the "proxy war" the United States and its allies were waging against Russia in Ukraine.

On the 17th, Shoigu inspected Russian troops in an unspecified location in Ukraine and instructed to ensure the logistical supplies of frontline officers and soldiers.

The Russian Ministry of Defense has been criticized for repeated setbacks in the Ukrainian-Russian war, and the top commander of the Ukrainian war has also been replaced several times.

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the military expansion plan proposed by Shoigu in December last year, from the current approximately 1.15 million to 1.5 million.

According to Shoigu’s post on the Telegram channel of the Ministry of National Defense’s social media, three new motorized infantry divisions, two airborne divisions, and some brigade-level units will be established, and he pointed out that special attention should be paid to recruiting volunteers. Troop requirements.

He also said that the combat capabilities of the naval, aerospace and strategic missile forces will be strengthened.

Russia has repeatedly said it plans to strengthen its presence in the northwest in response to a possible expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Both Finland and Sweden have applied to join NATO because of the Ukrainian-Russian War.