The number of foreign policy challenges for Russia is steadily growing. The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO radically changes the degree of threats to our northern borders. The build-up of personnel will be a worthy response to these threats, military expert Alexei Leonkov told VZGLYAD newspaper.

On Monday, Vladimir Putin signed a decree on increasing the staffing of the Armed Forces.

“If we talk about the composition of future troops, first of all, an increased presence of artillery formations and the Navy is required here. We must not forget about the build–up of air defense systems,” the expert believes.

“It is necessary to strengthen the Air Force. The recruitment of new recruits will be carried out by recruiting soldiers on a contractual basis. It is important to understand that people who have decided to link their lives with the army also need appropriate training. Thus, we should expect a gradual increase in the staff,” the interlocutor emphasizes.

@vzglyad_ru