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Russia defends care for national military troops

MOSCOW, Oct. 18 (UPI) -- Russia's defense minister Friday sought to allay concerns the nation's military service personnel weren't adequately cared for or equipped.

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said he was frustrated with concerns expressed by some members of the defense community over the conditions at Russian military schools.

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He said there were "speculative appeals" on troop care raised by officials who spoke to the media on condition of anonymity.

"Some people would really like our army to be starving, freezing and insufficiently clothed," he was quoted by state-supported news agency RIA Novosti as saying.

He said his ministry was committed to ensuring Russian troops have the equipment necessary to train and to defend national interests.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said last month the government plans to spend $650 billion on rearmament and weapons modernization through 2020.

Moscow said Friday it was investing $20.1 million on simulators for attack helicopters and jet fighters set for November delivery. The investment decision follows Thursday's announcement of a $4.3 billion deal to supply the Iraqi military with its Mi-28NE Night Hunger attack helicopter.

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