Friday, June 04, 2021

Potemkin Puffery

The Russians announce a lot of things.

I call BS on this boast:

Russia’s military will form 20 new units in the country’s west this year to counter what it claims is a growing threat from NATO, the defense minister said Monday. 

Sergei Shoigu made the announcement at a meeting with top military officials. 

I dare say that Russia is not expanding its army. At best it is grouping existing units under a "new" headquarters or shifting units from a type not needed as much to one needed now.

Not that this isn't improving Russian military capabilities. It could. But it is less than the Russians want you to think. Quite likely much less.

NOTE: Oops. I updated this after publication thinking it was scheduled. Just some minor word changes and the title change. I'll leave it as updated.