Russia to reinforce western military district In response to Sweden and Finland's decision to join NATO

Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu has said that Russia plans to reinforce its western military district as the military threat is growing near the country's western borders.

Some 12 military units and divisions will be created in the western military district in response to the decision of Sweden and Finland to join NATO, Kommersant reports, citing Shoygu.

The minister added that the Russian troops are expected to be provided with strategic drones in the near future.

He noted that the number of US strategic bomber flights in Europe has increased from 3 to 45 per year over the past eight years and the US ships with guided missiles regularly enter the Baltic Sea.

Up to 40,000 military personnel from 30 NATO countries are participating in "Defender of Europe" exercises, Shoygu said.