Russia will set up new military bases in the west in response to the threat posed by NATO expansion, according to Moscow.
Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu said more bases and units will be established in the vast country’s western military zone.
This zone borders the north of Ukraine, Belarus, the Baltic States and southeastern Finland. Until recently, Ukraine wanted to join NATO to the annoyance of the Kremlin.
The previously neutral states of Finland and Sweden are now on track to join NATO after Russia invaded Ukraine in February.
Shoigu spoke of moving 12 military units and divisions to the western zone before the end of the year.