‘Expect more’: Putin move sparks global fear

The Kremlin’s defence minister, Sergei Shoigu, late last week announced plans to accelerate Russia’s mobilisation and transition to a war economy, saying he had already formed a new army motorised rifle division of 10,000 troops as the basis of one new combined arms army corps unit .

Ukrainian troops ride upon a repaired Russian tank in a wooded area of Kharkiv, Ukraine. Russia’s announcement has raised concerns about a potential broader strike against Europe. Picture: Paula Bronstein But long-term neutral nations Finland and Sweden submitted urgent applications to join NATO in May 2022, stating the firm belief Putin had every intention to occupy their territories.Russia has, in recent days, unleashed an intense missile and drone barrage against Ukrainian electricity infrastructure and logistics hubs.

Russia overwhelmed an Ukrainian stronghold, the city of Avdiivka, in February. It has since advanced on two further nearby villages.The UK Ministry of Defence says Russia has been suffering 1000 casualties a day in recent weeks. Ukrainian casualties, while secret, are likely also very high. But Putin has also been able to secure military support from Iran and North Korea, and economic support from China and India.President Putin has announced plans to visit China and meet with Chairman Xi Jinping in May.

“This process has profound strategic reasons underneath it, and is therefore set to continue and further develop in the future.” Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Putin has secured military support from Iran and North Korea and economic support from China and India. Picture: Kenzaburo Fukuhara

Beijing announced a further 7.2 per cent increase in its defence budget on March 5. But the Communist Party’s budget reporting is notoriously opaque, with many analysts believing significant military expenditure is hidden among so-called “military-civilian fusion” projects – such as constructing military-grade ferries for nominally civilian use.

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Moscow concert hall attack: death toll rises to 93 as Putin told suspects have been detainedRussian president informed that 11 suspects have been held as the death toll continues to climb
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Putin vows to punish those behind Moscow concert terrorist attackFour men have been arrested for the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that has killed at least 133 people.
Source: smh - 🏆 6. / 80 Read more »

Putin vows to punish those behind Moscow concert terrorist attackFour men have been arrested for the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that has killed at least 133 people.
Source: theage - 🏆 8. / 77 Read more »

Putin vows to punish those behind Moscow concert hall terrorist attackFour men have been arrested for the attack on a suburban Moscow concert hall that has killed at least 133 people.
Source: brisbanetimes - 🏆 13. / 67 Read more »

Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskiy says Putin trying to falsely blame Kyiv for Moscow concert attackUkrainian president says Russian leader’s move is ‘predictable’ as Kyiv denies any involvement; Moscow claims capture of village near Bakhmut
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Moscow attack: Vladimir Putin’s weakness exposed in critical situationsAfter the concert attack, Vladimir Putin ignored a claim of responsibility by the Islamic State, tried to implicate Ukraine and mischaracterised a US warning.
Source: FinancialReview - 🏆 2. / 90 Read more »