Russia has announced plans to form 17 new divisions and a new army corps, restoring much of the military’s former Soviet glory, as it continues to wage a relentless battle for Ukraine’s eastern territories in the 43rd week of its war.
Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu unveiled plans on December 21 to expand the army from 1.15 million to 1.5 million, citing the imminent expansion of NATO to include Finland and Sweden. Within that force, the professional army would almost double to 695,000 – a potential admission that Russia’s conscript force has proven ineffective in the offensive.
