Russia to Create Three New Military Divisions to Counter NATO

BELGRADE - Russia will create two new military divisions in its Western Military District and one in its Southern Military District to counter NATO's build-up on Russia's borders, Defense Minister Gen. Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday.

Over the past two years, NATO has carried out a number of large-scale military exercises along the alliance's eastern flank, bordering Russia.

"The Ministry of Defense is taking a range of measures with the goal of countering NATO's build-up of forces in close proximity to the Russian borders. By the end of the year, two new divisions will be formed in the Western Military District, and one in the Southern Military District," Shoigu said during a Defense Ministry meeting.

Russia has repeatedly warned against NATO's increasing military buildup along its borders despite previous agreements, stating such actions are provocative and...