MOSCOW, July 21-RIA Novosti. Russian President Vladimir Putin asked Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu to assess in which regions it is necessary to increase the grouping of the Defense Ministry to fight forest fires.
"We need to look at a possible increase in the forces and means of the Ministry of Defense. Sergey Kuzhugetovich (Shoigu – ed.), on my instructions, is already doing this, including in the Far East and in Yakutia. It is necessary for the Minister of Emergency Situations to conduct such an additional assessment, where necessary, it is necessary to increase the grouping of the Ministry of Emergency Situations itself, and to coordinate it with colleagues from the Ministry of Defense. If you need anything, please let me know. The Defense Minister is aware of this, the Defense Ministry is ready to organize additional assistance, it is only necessary to assess in a timely manner and in full what needs to be done," Putin said at a meeting with government members via videoconference.
