Finland warns Europe: Russia's military threat persists

General Jaakkola, the commander of Finland's armed forces, emphasizes that Russia remains a serious threat to Europe, no matter how the conflict in Ukraine ends. He noted that the Kremlin is striving to significantly increase the size of its army, and this process is already underway.

There has been a return to the traditional capability and will of society as a whole to conduct war. This is especially significant in the face of a prolonged war, said the military officer, as quoted by the Polish Press Agency.

Russia plans to establish new divisions, an army corps, and support forces, replacing the existing brigades. Before the invasion of Ukraine, about 22,000 Russian troops were stationed near the border with Finland, including four brigades on standby.

During a seminar at the University of Helsinki, General Jaakkola highlighted Russia's ability to adapt and evolve its military strategies despite significant losses in personnel and equipment. Russia has increased its defense industry production, indicating its determination.

General Jaakkola noted that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the need to return to traditional methods of combat that engage the entire society. This requires personnel reserves and an efficient mobilization system. Finland, unlike many Western countries, has maintained universal conscription, allowing its armed forces to be maintained at a level of 300,000 soldiers and a reserve force of about 960,000 people.

Russia's war against Ukraine has highlighted the necessity of employing both traditional and modern warfare methods. General Jaakkola emphasized that the preparation of field fortifications must occur in advance, before the appearance of drones. A new element of the conflict is hybrid operations that combine political, economic, military, and informational measures.