Finland bolsters defenses as Russia strengthens border bases
Finland is preparing for a potential threat from Russia. The Finns are strengthening their borders and analyzing new satellite images. Could Helsinki become a target for Moscow?
What do you need to know?
- Russia is strengthening its military bases along the border with Finland, raising concerns in Helsinki. Satellite images show new hangars and tents.
- The Finnish border guard has built 22 miles of fencing on the border with Russia to curb illegal migration. There are plans to extend the fence to 124 miles.
- Finland is increasing its military reserve to one million soldiers, raising the upper age limit for reservists to 65 years.
What are Russia's actions at the border with Finland?
Finland is closely watching increased activity by Russia at its border. Satellite images reveal new constructions and strengthening of military bases, indicating that Moscow is preparing for the future after the end of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian politician Anton Gerashchenko shared these photographs on the platform X. "The pictures from earth imaging company Planet Labs PBC show increased accommodation, aircraft deployment, and infrastructure construction at four military bases near Finland: Kamenka on the Karelian Isthmus, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya," he wrote.
He also added that by comparing the latest satellite images with those from May 2022, it's evident that over the past three years, military infrastructure has been gradually expanded at a base located about 25 miles from the Finnish border. More military tents have appeared, and new storage halls have been built.
Emil Kastehelmi, a Finnish military analyst from the Finnish analytical company OSINT Black Bird Group, stated that if Russia adheres to its plans, tens of thousands of new soldiers may appear in the coming years near the borders of Norway, Finland, and the Baltic countries. General Sami Nurmi of the Finnish army emphasizes that although there is currently no direct threat, Finland must prepare for the worst-case scenarios.
What is Finland doing to secure itself?
In response to Russia's actions, Finland is strengthening its borders. The Finnish border guard has completed a 22-mile fence to curb illegal migration. The fence, equipped with cameras and sensors, is set to expand to 124 miles by the end of 2026. Additionally, Finland is increasing the size of its military reserve by raising the age limit for reservists to 65, which will enable an increase in the number of trained soldiers to one million.
What are the reactions of Finnish society?
Finnish society is actively responding to potential threats. Hundreds of citizens, including many women, are volunteering for training to prepare for crisis situations. Consequently, Finland boasts a large, well-prepared, and trained army.
