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Eastern Europe unprepared for potential conflict with Russia — agency

It is reported that the Romanian government "began enlistment drives after recent defense ministry data showed 43% of officers’ positions were unfilled, along with the positions of 23% of soldiers and other professional ranks"

LONDON, August 9. /TASS/. Eastern European countries are facing recruitment difficulties as they are struggling to prepare for a potential conflict with Russia, Reuters reports.

According to the news agency, NATO plans to form 35 to 50 extra brigades to confront Russia.

Reuters notes that Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic are struggling to sign up new soldiers. In particular, Prague has missed recruitment targets for years and struggled to maintain troop levels. "In 2021 the Czechs reached 56% of their recruiting goal, rising to 85% in 2022, according to the most recent army data," Reuters writes.

"We cannot do anything without people - if we modernize equipment and don't have enough competent people and motivated people, that is all wasted money," the news agency quoted Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces Karel Rehka as saying.

According to Reuters, the Romanian government "began enlistment drives after recent defense ministry data showed 43% of officers’ positions were unfilled, along with the positions of 23% of soldiers and other professional ranks."

On July 8, Reuters reported, citing a military source, "NATO will need between 35 and 50 extra brigades" to defend against a hypothetical attack from Russia. The news agency noted that "a brigade consists of between 3,000 and 7,000 troops, so generating 35 to 50 more such units would present a significant challenge."

Armenia–Azerbaijan conflict

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Russian forces liberate DPR’s Novogrodovka

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Kremlin aware of Scholz’s 'peace plan' only from media

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Restrictions lifted on operations of three Moscow airports — Russian aviation watchdog

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Putin congratulates Kim Jong Un on North Korea's 76th anniversary — Kremlin

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Kiev reiterates hopes for Moscow’s attendance of second peace conference

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Equipment failure may have caused crash of only Alex-251 amphibious aircraft

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Uzbekistan will benefit from participation in Eurasian integration — Russian PM

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First-ever Leo Tolstoy Peace Prize awarded to African Union

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UNGA should respect decisions by member countries including Russia — diplomat

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"As always, Russian society responded to aggression and escalation with even greater consolidation around our president," Boris Gryzlov said

It’s up to Eurasian nations to decide about their future, West must accept this — Lavrov

At the same time, the top Russian diplomat noted that no one is closing the doors on communicating with the West

Ukrainian troops targeting civilian vehicles in Kursk Region — volunteer

Alexander Kasaurov cited an incident when a Ukrainian drone broke the windshield of a moving car with two civilians on board, a man and a woman

Ukraine peace proposals fail to protect Russian speakers — Lavrov

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Press review: Kiev bets on own arms production and US, NATO bearing down on Latin America

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Lavrov says West doesn’t want to reach fair agreement on Ukraine

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Russia, China to hold joint drills in two seas in September — Chinese top brass

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Potential catastrophe at Kursk NPP to affect entire Europe — Russian officer

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Hungary’s MOL reaches agreement on oil supplies from Russia via Druzhba pipeline

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Russian Battlegroup North hits Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region’s border area

According to the report, the operation was controlled online

China-Russia trade turnover rises by 1.9% to $158.47 bln in January-August

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Russia, North Korea to keep strengthening strategic partnership — Putin

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De Gaulle's grandson tells State Duma speaker about plans to move to Russia

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Russia offers safe haven for people trying to escape Western liberal ideals

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Armenia and EU start talks on visa regime liberalization — Pashinyan

The Armenian prime minister added that "especially after his speech in the European Parliament last year, discussions continue in the country regarding the possibility of joining the EU"

US to face domestic problems regardless of presidential election results — Russian MFA

The next US presidential election will take place in November 2024