Russia plans to expand military by 30% due to Finland and Sweden 'threat', MOD says

Russia has plans to expand its military by 30%, citing threats from Finland and Sweden joining Nato, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has said.

In an update on Twitter, the MOD said Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with the plans on 21 December.

The update also said Russia’s Defence Minister, Sergei Shigou, explained "that the expansion would involve at least two brigades in north-western Russia growing to divisional strength".

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"This constitutes one of the first insights into how Russia aspires to adapt its forces to the long-term strategic challenges resulting from its invasion of Ukraine," the MOD said.

"It remains unclear how Russia will find the recruits to complete such an expansion at a time when its forces are under unprecedented pressure in Ukraine."

Sweden joined Finland in applying for Nato membership in May, ending more than 200 years of military non-alignment.

Public opinion in both countries was firmly against joining NATO until Russia's invasion of Ukraine, after which polls indicated a dramatic shift in favour of membership.