Finland warns of possible Russian military threat within five years - NYT reveals Kremlin plans
Photo: Finland prepares for new challenges from Russia (Getty Images)
Russia is actively increasing its military presence near the Finnish border. Satellite images show large-scale construction of new infrastructure, including shelters for fighter jets, warehouses, and field camps, The New York Times reports.
The images show dozens of new tents in Kamenka, less than 40 miles from Finland, as well as renewed activity at airbases in Murmansk and Olenya, located in the Arctic.
In these areas, which until recently were semi-abandoned, there is now a regular presence of helicopters, planes, and equipment.
According to analysts, the Russians are expanding their brigades to the level of divisions - this could mean an increase in troop numbers in the region by thousands.
Finnish military intelligence believes that after the high-intensity phase of the war in Ukraine ends, Russia will focus its resources on the northern direction.
"We'll be talking about so much higher troop levels," said Brig. Gen. Pekka Turunen, Director of Finnish defense intelligence.
NATO confirms: Moscow's activity has strategic significance. The border with Finland, which joined the Alliance two years ago, is now the longest NATO-Russia contact line - over 1,300 km.
NATO believes that the North could become a new hotspot.
Threat from Russia
In response to Russia's moves, Finland and the US conducted large-scale Arctic exercises involving maneuvers in forests and combat training on skis. The likely adversary - Russia.
Finnish military officials note that they have about five years before Russian forces reach a level capable of posing a direct threat. But they are convinced - it's only a matter of time.
Such Kremlin activity signals a long-term strategy after the war in Ukraine ends - a return of focus to confrontation with NATO and strengthening its positions in the Arctic.
As one Alliance official said, Russia considers control over this region critically important for its geopolitical status.
Finland in NATO and threat to country
Finland is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The country joined NATO on April 4, 2023.
Just last year, Finland stated that Russia is the most serious threat to its national security. Russia resorts to espionage and hybrid influence.
At the same time, Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen believes that Russia will continue to be a threat to European countries even after the war in Ukraine ends. Moscow may use military force against Europe.
Against this backdrop, Finland plans to withdraw from the Ottawa convention banning anti-personnel mines, as well as increase overall defense spending in the coming years.
