Russia Strengthens Western Borders in Response to Threats, Shoigu Says

The Russian Defense Minister has announced that the financial support from the West for Ukraine has reached nearly $200 billion.

Russia is strengthening its western borders in response to the upcoming armament supplies from the United States and its allies to Ukraine, which include precision missiles and F-16 fighter jets. This was stated by Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoigu during a joint collegium meeting of the defense ministries of Russia and Belarus.

“The United States and its allies are supplying armored vehicles, air defense systems, and precision missiles to Ukraine. Violating international conventions, Washington has included cluster munitions in military aid. The issue of transferring F-16 tactical aircraft to Kyiv is practically on the table, with their delivery expected as early as next year. In response to these threats, we are taking appropriate measures to strengthen our western borders,” Shoigu said.

He noted that NATO countries are supplying weapons to the Ukrainian armed forces, sharing intelligence information, training Ukrainian soldiers, and sending mercenaries and advisers.

According to the minister, by supporting the Kyiv regime, the collective West has unleashed a hybrid war against Russia in the military-political, legal, economic, and humanitarian realms. Alongside economic sanctions against Russia, open support for Kyiv is being demonstrated. Shoigu added that the total amount of resources spent in Ukraine has approached nearly $200 billion.