🇫🇮 Finland Warns of Potential Russian Military Buildup Near Border
Finnish military officials have expressed concern that Russia could begin reinforcing troops and infrastructure along the Finnish border once the war in Ukraine subsides.
Maj. Gen. Sami Nurmi, Finland’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy, said the country has been closely monitoring activity near the Russian border in recent months. As a NATO member, Finland’s strategic priority is to “always prepare for the worst-case scenario,” he said.
“We’ve seen Russia repairing some older military fortifications near the border,” Nurmi noted. “So far, construction activity remains moderate, but it suggests Moscow may redeploy combat-tested units—especially infantry—closer to our territory after the war in Ukraine ends.”
While Finland is not alarmed, officials admit they anticipated growing tensions with Russia following the country’s accession to NATO in 2023. In response, Finland has already completed the first 35 kilometers of a planned 200-kilometer border fence along its eastern frontier. The Finnish-Russian border has been closed for over a year amid accusations that Moscow encouraged migrants to cross in an attempt to destabilize Finland’s security.
Nurmi added that Russia appears to be expanding its military footprint gradually, rather than through a rapid buildup.
Commercial satellite imagery taken in March shows signs of increased activity on the Russian side of the border, including expanded military camps, parking zones, upgraded hangars, and the renovation of a previously abandoned helicopter base.
Finnish defense analysts had earlier suggested Russia would eventually be forced to choose between reinforcing its war efforts in Ukraine or bolstering its presence along the Finnish border. “It now appears that they’re doing both,” Nurmi said. However, he stressed that there is no immediate military threat to Finland or NATO.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov recently stated that Russia has “no fundamental issue” with Finland and Sweden joining NATO, but warned that Moscow would respond accordingly to any expansion of NATO’s military infrastructure near its borders.
Russian President Vladimir Putin also addressed the situation, saying Moscow is keeping a close watch on the region and responding with appropriate measures.
“We are understandably concerned when NATO countries treat this region as a military staging ground,” Putin said. “They’re holding exercises in harsh conditions and deploying troops newly integrated from Finland and Sweden. In response, Russia is enhancing its combat readiness and modernizing military infrastructure in the area.”
(Sources: The Guardian, RT, Reuters)
Hello Shuttle will strive to bring the latest updates. At the end of the day.
Are you looking for reliable airport and cruise port transfer services in Los Angeles?
We offer professional, safe, and punctual transportation from
Los Angeles Airport - LAX
Long Beach Airport - LGB
John Wayne Airport - SNA
San Pedro cruise port
Long Beach cruise port
Disneyland
and other destinations.
Let us make your journey stress-free and comfortable with our dedicated drivers and high-quality vehicles. Book now for the perfect travel experience at www.helloshuttle.com or call 944-800-5678!
