Russian troops Finland border: Is Finland the next step after Ukraine? Reports say Russia is accumulating troops and building infrastructure on the Finnish border
What are the new satellite images showing along the Finnish-Russian border?
According to Swedish broadcaster SVT, new satellite images from Planet Labs show major military activities in Russia at four key locations: Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2 and Olenya.
- Since February, more than 130 military tents have been established in Kamenka, just 35 miles from Finland. The tents are believed to accommodate up to 2,000 soldiers, and the site previously had little infrastructure in 2022.
- Three large storage warehouses have been built in Petrozavodsk, about 100 miles from the border. Experts believe these are targeted at armored vehicles, which may hold about 50 units and be constructed in the fourth hall.
- Severomorsk-2 is an airport 110 miles from Finland and 70 miles from Norway. It has also been closed and reactivated. Now, in the latest satellite photos, helicopters are visible along the runway.
- At Olenya Air Force Base, just 90 miles from Finland, Russia has been stationed in Kiev, saying the bomber was used in raids by Ukrainian targets.
Is this related to Finland’s entry into NATO?
Yes. This rapid military expansion follows Finland’s NATO membership. When Finland and Sweden first applied to join the coalition, Russian officials warned of a “military and technological response.” What we see now seems to be exactly that.
Swedish Defense Minister Michael Claesson told SVT, “When we apply for NATO membership, Russia said it would take such steps. We are seeing this happening now.”
It’s not just symbolic. In December 2023, Russia re-established the Leningrad Military Zone, an old Soviet-era command structure near Finland. This reorganization is widely regarded as preparation for maintaining a stronger military footprint on the Finnish border.
How does NATO respond to Russian military activities?
NATO has added practice and deployment in the region. A key action is the resilient strike, held in Finland in November 2024, involving transnational artillery teams, including Sweden. Heavy weapons such as the MLRS M270 A2 and the Archer used self-propelled howitzers during the exercise to demonstrate NATO’s preparation. Finland Deputy Defense Minister Lieutenant General Visa recently warned that Russia is “deliberately testing NATO’s unification.” He said hybrid tactical strategies such as cyberattacks and mass immigration have been used, and military accumulation is only the next step.
Virtanen added, “Previously, there were about 20,000 Russian soldiers and four standby brigades near our border. Now they are building new infrastructure. We believe they are planning up to five divisions, plus one army and support unit.”
Will this lead to another all-out war like Ukraine?
That’s growing fear. The pattern is very similar. Back in November 2021, U.S. officials issued an alarm on satellite images showing Russian troops crowds near Ukraine. The Kremlin dismissed the warnings at the time. Just four months later, Putin invaded Ukraine.
Fast forward to now – the script looks familiar.
Russia insists that it does not intend to attack. Putin himself claims to attack NATO members’ ideas “Total nonsense”. But other top Russian officials, such as Dmitry Medvedev, have posed a thin nuclear threat, saying NATO’s new members are now “a target of retaliation or even preemptive strike.”
Russia’s former defense minister Sergei Shougu also warned in May that Western actions could trigger a “World War III” especially if troops were deployed in Ukraine.
Why is it more important now than ever?
Finland’s move to join NATO is historic. It has remained neutral during the Cold War for decades. Now, its inclusion in NATO has created a new frontline. And Moscow is not just watching – it is moving.
Whether this ends in another massive war remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: Russia’s military accumulation near Finland is real, strategic, and escalating.
As the SVT report shows, tents, hangars and airports are not only for display. NATO and its allies must now decide how to respond – not only words, but also genuinely ready.
FAQ:
1. Why did Russia establish troops near the Finnish border?
Russia is joining Finland to NATO by expanding its troops and infrastructure near its borders.
2. What military activities have been seen on the Russian-Finland border?
Satellite images show new force camps near Finland, air base renovations and armored vehicle warehouses.
