Russia continues to increase the size of its armed forces despite significant losses in the war against Ukraine. According to the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service, in 2024, Russia formed an army corps and a motorized rifle division near the border with Estonia, as reported by Postimees.
The recreated Leningrad Military District, which is responsible for the area adjacent to Estonia, included the 44th Army Corps and the 69th Motorized Rifle Division of the 6th Combined Arms Army. After formation, both units were sent to the front in Ukraine for combat training.
Additionally, in the second half of 2024, the creation of the 68th Motorized Rifle Division of the same 6th Combined Arms Army began. The formation of this unit is expected to be completed in 2025.
Estonian intelligence believes that the Russian army’s ability to create large military formations in a relatively short period demonstrates its high mobilization potential. This raises additional concerns regarding regional security.
