Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has promised to send more troops near Nordic countries.

According to Shoigu, five marine corps divisions will be formed from the Navy’s coastal troops, which already have marine brigades. The 61st Naval Infantry Brigade, located near the border with Norway and Finland in Pechenga, has contributed soldiers to Syria and Ukraine.

The Defence Minister of Russia says that ‘retaliatory measures are required’ because Finland and Sweden have joined NATO.

President Vladimir Putin met with senior military officials on Wednesday and was briefed on the issues concerning the armed forces. As a result, according to Shoigu, new military bases will be established in the west.