MOSCOW - President Vladimir Putin said on Jan. 20 Russiamust strengthen its armed forces to protect its sovereignty against the "challenge" posed by other countries that might threaten Moscow. Putin's comments reinforced his commitment to an expensive programme to modernise the armed forces, which the Finance Ministry has signalled will be excluded from any budget cuts forced on the government by a growing economic crisis.
Russia's War Against Ukraine
Reuters: Putin says Russia must strengthen army to defend itself
Russian soldiers patrol the area surrounding the Ukrainian military unit in Perevalnoye, outside Simferopol, Crimea, on March 20, 2014.
