Double Trouble? Putin Creating Two Russian Armies to Counter NATO Expansion

Russia appears to be ramping up their threats to NATO nations.

Moscow is in the process of establishing two new armies by year's end, as disclosed by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu.

Shoigu's announcement, detailed by Newsweek, outlines plans to bolster Russia's conventional military capabilities.

The Russian military has already initiated the formation of an army corps and a motorized division, with further plans to assemble two combined arms armies and 14 divisions, encompassing 16 brigades. These developments are slated for completion by the end of the year.

Despite these maneuvers, a former British diplomat, John Foreman, emphasized to Newsweek that the augmentation of Russia's military doesn't necessarily foreshadow imminent conflict with NATO.

Foreman contextualized the expansion as a defensive response to Finland and Sweden potentially aligning with NATO, rather than indicative of aggressive intentions towards the alliance.

Foreman underscored the challenges Russia faces in fully operationalizing these expanded forces, citing ongoing issues in Ukraine, sustained military losses and strains on the military-industrial complex.

Echoing concerns, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) outlined Russia's strategic orientation towards NATO over the long term.

While not an immediate threat, ISW highlighted indicators suggesting Russia's preparation for a substantial conventional conflict with NATO, amidst ongoing structural reforms to support military activities in Ukraine.

The European response to Russia's actions has been one of heightened vigilance. European Council President Charles Michel emphasized the imperative for Europe to fortify its defense capabilities, warning against complacency and stressing the need for a robust EU defense posture to complement NATO's collective security framework.

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Michel's sentiments reflect the broader apprehension among European leaders regarding Russia's expansionist ambitions and its destabilizing influence in the region.

He underscored the imperative for the EU to adapt swiftly in light of Russia's incursions, acknowledging that the post-World War II order has been fundamentally altered by Putin's aggressive actions.

The specter of a potential Russian attack on NATO member states has prompted proactive measures from the alliance, including troop deployments and military exercises. Putin himself has not shied away from suggesting the plausibility of conflict with the West, cautioning that such a scenario could escalate into a global conflict.