The Kremlin has also restructured forces, nearly tripling the size of brigades near Finland, in response to NATO’s expansion.
New satellite imagery has revealed that Russia is rapidly expanding its military bases and infrastructure near the Finnish border and in the Arctic, signaling preparations to redeploy troops after a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
Columns of new troop tents, renovated airfields, and expanded bases have been spotted close to Finland’s northeastern frontier, raising concerns among NATO members.
Finnish defense officials describe the buildup as small-scale but believe it is a preparatory step for tens of thousands of troops and equipment.
“We joined Nato, so we anticipated this,” said Major General Sami Nurmi, chief of strategy of the Finnish defence forces. “What we are seeing are the preparations for the future when Russia will bring back the forces fighting in Ukraine.”
Satellite images show over 130 new troop tents near Kamenka, just 40 miles from Finland, and expanded infrastructure near Petrozavodsk. Strategic bombers have been repositioned to Arctic bases as Russia seeks to protect assets from Ukrainian drone strikes.
Despite the buildup, Finnish officials remain cautiously pragmatic. “We do not see any immediate threat towards Finland,” said Nurmi, adding the military is “watching very closely and preparing accordingly.”
The Kremlin has also restructured forces, nearly tripling the size of brigades near Finland, in response to NATO’s expansion.
The Arctic’s strategic importance is underscored by Maj Gen Nurmi: “This will not change. We are working very closely with our Arctic allies to assess Russia’s plans.”