Finland bolsters defences amid Russian border military build-up
Finland is preparing for a potential threat from Russia. The Finns are bolstering 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, causing concerns in Helsinki. Satellite images show new hangars and tents.
- The Finnish border guard has built about 35 kilometres of fencing on the Russian border to curb illegal migration. Plans are underway to extend the fence to approximately 200 kilometres.
- Finland is increasing its military reserve to one million soldiers by raising the upper age limit for reservists to 65 years.
What are Russia's actions at the border with Finland?
Finland is closely monitoring Russia's increased activity at its border. Satellite images reveal new constructions and the enhancement of military bases, indicating that Moscow is preparing for the future after the end of the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainian politician Anton Gerashchenko shared such 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 comparing the latest satellite images with those taken in May 2022 shows that over the last few years, military infrastructure has been gradually expanded at a base located about 40 kilometres 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, noted that if Russia follows through with its plans, tens of thousands of new soldiers could arrive 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 no direct threat, Finland must be prepared 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 the construction of a 35-kilometre fence to curb illegal migration. The wall, equipped with cameras and sensors, will be expanded to 200 kilometres by the end of 2026. Additionally, Finland is increasing the size of its military reserve by raising the age limit for reservists to 65, increasing 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 sessions to prepare for crises. As a result, Finland boasts a large, well-prepared, and trained army.
