Finland prepares for possible Russian invasion but faces unexpected obstacle
Finnish army prepares for the worst-case scenario (photo: facebook.com/puolustus)
Finland is already actively studying Ukraine's experience in holding back Russian advances and plans to apply these lessons in the event of a Russian invasion. However, harsh northern weather conditions could hinder these plans, Finnish Army Commander Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki said, according to Bloomberg.
Finland is considering using Ukrainian-style anti-tank barriers to strengthen its defenses along the border with Russia. Helsinki is working to reinforce NATO's eastern flank as Russia rebuilds its military capabilities.
According to Välimäki, Russia is already gradually restoring its military capabilities, even as its full-scale war against Ukraine enters its fifth year.
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia. This accounts for about half of NATO's entire land border with Russia. The country is therefore studying Ukraine's experience in building defensive lines, including assessing how effective such fortifications would be in the harsh northern climate.
During the war, Ukrainian forces have built an extensive system of defensive lines and anti-tank obstacles that help slow the enemy's advance. According to Välimäki, neither side has yet found an effective way to overcome such fortifications and return to large-scale offensive maneuvers.
At the same time, Finland's climate creates additional challenges for constructing similar defenses.
"Conditions in Finland are more challenging. If we build fortifications and dig anti-tank ditches or obstacles as deep as those in Ukraine, how long does it take before our environment turns them into artificial ponds?" the general explained.
He also pointed to the gradual replenishment of Russia's military arsenals. In particular, T-90 tanks, BMP-3 infantry fighting vehicles, and 2S19 self-propelled howitzers are already arriving at storage bases.
Finland cannot stop Russia's rearmament, so it is focusing on strengthening its own defense capabilities and deterring potential aggression. The main objective is to convince Russia's military leadership that an attack would not succeed.
"Everything we are doing now is about creating a threshold so that Russia does not go any further, whether we are talking about the alliance or Finland," Välimäki said.
Earlier, three European countries were reported to be conducting large-scale civilian training as part of preparations for a possible war with Russia.
Recently, the United Kingdom also warned that the country has just over 1,000 days to prepare for a war with Russia.
