Spots. Russian troops accumulate on the Finnish border. Credit: Kosmogenez -Planet Labs
The accumulation of Russian troops and military hardware along the Finnish border sent shockwaves through NATO as satellite images revealed a new warehouse of armored vehicles just a few kilometres away from Finnish territory.
This accumulation comes as Finland enters its second year as a member of NATO after reviving the nightmare of the Ukrainian War prelude and joining the alliance in 2023. This extended NATO’s border with Russia over 1,300 km, prompting what analysts describe as “Russian reaction.”
Satellite images from Planet Labs reported by Swedish broadcaster SVT show important activities at four important sites. More than 130 military tents will appear in Kamenka, 50km from Finland, starting in February, and could accommodate 2,000 troops. At Petrozabodosk, 160 km from the border, three large warehouses for armored vehicles were built, with a fourth construction. Severomorsk-2, an airfield 180km from Finland, is currently parked with helicopters after being revitalized. Olenya Airbase, 140km from Finland, is stationed with long-range bombers used in Ukrainian strikes. The rapid expansion follows Finland’s joining NATO, and Russian authorities warned that it would trigger a “military technical response.”
Finland is watching the accumulation of Russian military forces
The Finns, who live in the shadow of the 1,300-kilometer border with Russia, are worried, but remain determined. Finnish officials are increasing their border patrols, urging gently. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said, “We are ready and wary. Russia’s actions do not threaten us.” Many Finns have a historic culture of resilience from the winter war of 1939, and view NATO as a shield against Russian invasion.
According to EC spokesman Peter Stano, the European Commission has condemned Russia’s actions and warned of growing tensions after this accumulation threatened regional stability. “We are fully in solidarity with Finland and support NATO’s efforts to ensure collective defense.” The EC is calling for the removal and respect of the borders while urging Russia to strengthen its support on the eastern side of NATO.
European sabre-ratting in response to Russian military accumulation
European countries and British groups are debating military operations in their defense against the possibility of Russian attacks. The coalition, called the Joint Expedition (JEF), includes the UK, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, along with a recent agreement to invite Ukraine to form a larger partnership with the JEF. Similarly, there is a debate about a potential British-France-led coalition or “mininath” involving countries such as Germany, Ukraine, the Baltic Sea and Scandinavian countries that aim to back up European defenses independent of US support.
Various European countries, particularly Scandinavia and Balticus, have already revived or expanded their conscription programmes in response to recent Russian actions. Latvia revived adult male forced military service in 2023, following Lithuania (2015) and Sweden (2017) in response to the annexation of Russia’s Crimea and the continued attacks in Ukraine. Croatia plans to revive conscriptions in 2025, but in Poland there are talks of military training for 100,000 civilians.
Russia is bent the muscles of its military infrastructure, but Europe is concerned that Moscow’s actions suggest more than merely sabs. For now, Finland and its allies are preparing for an uncertain future along this tense new frontline.
