MOSCOW - Russia's defense minister says the military has strengthened its forces in southwestern Russia with long-range weapons to fend off emerging new threats. Sergei Shoigu said on May 20 the move has been taken in response to "attempts by some nations to expand their military presence near our borders," an apparent reference to NATO.
Associated Press: Russia says it beefed up its military in southwest
Russian naval flags are seen on the Zaporizhzhia' former Ukrainian submarine moored in the bay of the Crimean port of Sevastopol on April 17, 2014. (FILE PHOTO)
