Russian military buildup near NATO border raises tensions
Swedish public media report that the Russians are expanding their military bases and installations near the NATO border. The reports are based on precise satellite images. Experts have no doubt that this is part of the Russian strategy related to Finland joining NATO.
The company Planet Labs PBC has taken satellite images showing disturbing movements of Russian troops near the border with Finland. The photographs show, among other things, new bases for aviation and warehouses for armored vehicles. This fact was reported to the public by the Swedish public broadcaster.
In Petrozavodsk, about 175 kilometres east of the border with Finland, they have built three warehouses, each of which can accommodate up to 50 armored vehicles - Swedish journalists reported.
More halls are under construction. The Swedes and Finns assured that they are carefully monitoring the movements of the Russian army and will react if necessary. According to Swedish generals, the Russian military wants to increase its freedom of action near NATO. The move is related to Finland and Sweden's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance.
Polish analysts share a similar view. Konrad Muzyka from Rochan Consulting points out that "Russia believes that NATO is striving for an invasion of its territory".
The Russian point of view is that NATO is striving for an invasion of their territory. That is why they are taking such steps, and the border with Finland is a new area for them to prepare for defensive actions - the expert said in an interview with "Fakt".
The Russians are strengthening the border, taking into account its difficult natural conditions. According to Muzyka, "The Kremlin is not preparing to invade Sweden or Finland," but is expanding its defensive capabilities and trying to intimidate NATO.
