SAKHALIN REGION (Russia's Far East) (Sputnik) — Surovikin stressed that the Sakhalin Island and the Kurils chain in North Pacific are "the eastern outpost of Russia" safeguarding the country's security and territorial integrity in the region.
"In order to stave off any, even minimal, threats, unprecedented steps are being taken by the Russian leadership and the Defense Ministry aimed at developing military infrastructure, planned rearmament of military units, and enhanced social protection of all military personnel and their families," Surovikin said at a meeting with the district's senior commanders.
The number of military specialists serving in the Eastern Military District on a contract basis has increased by 22,000 in the past year, reaching 65,000 people, Surovikin said.
