Russia is establishing military installations along its border with Finland.
Article:
Red Alert: Russia's Military Muscle Flexes on Finland's Border
Take a step closer to the edge of NATO, and you'll find Russia pumping up its military muscle right on Finland's doorstep. A decaying military base is being revamped, complete with fresh barracks, warehouses, and even a new headquarters. Military expert Gustav Gressel warns this could signal the inflating of brigades to divisions.
Just 1,000 kilometers from Moscow, Vladimir Putin is making his next power move at the northwesternmost tip of Russia. He's targeting Finland's border with a flurry of activity. The Russian army is refurbishing old military airfields, fixing up barracks, and setting up warehouses for tanks. No wonder satellite images from the region reveal this frenzy of construction.
As Putin armors up, NATO officials try to maintain a cool demeanor. They claim the work on Russian support points is nothing compared to the intense mobilization Putin's troops observed before their large-scale attack on Ukraine. For now, they assure us, "only very few Russian troops" are stationed at the border with Finland.
But make no mistake – according to military experts, Russia is pursuing a long-term strategy here. They predict that in a few years' time, an attack on Finland could theoretically be on the cards, provided the Kremlin brings its air force support points in the high north, on the Kola Peninsula, and in Karelia, up to speed.
The build-up began when Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, by decree, reorganized the military districts in northwestern Russia. Armies in the Leningrad Military District have increased their strength, adding more accompanying equipment and tanks. The heightened equipment, of course, requires more storage and living quarters, prompting the construction work we see today.
Currently, there's no immediate threat lurking along the Finnish border. However, experts believe that larger construction projects could be in the pipeline soon. Already, there are signs of increased activity on both the Kola Peninsula and in the somewhat southern Karelia.
Finland and Russia share a boundary over 1,300 kilometers long – the longest stretch NATO has with Russia. If Moscow continues to beef up its military presence, within the next five years, it could potentially reach a "threatening level."
The stakes are high. Border guards are already stretched thin, trying to deal with migratory issues that prove instrumental in hybrid warfare against them. In an effort to protect Europe's external borders, the task has become a shared mission.
The wisdom of the “New York Times” rings true: "The outer borders of Finland are the outer borders of Germany." Indeed, protecting Europe's periphery is a vital responsibility. With NATO's commitment to peace and stability at the forefront, it is crucial that we all keep a vigilant eye on the situation and prepare for any possible threats.
Keywords:
- Russia
- Military
- NATO
- Finland
- Border
- Troops
- Putin
- Kremlin
- Arms Race
- Buildup
- Defense
Sources:
- ntv.de
- New York Times
- Wall Street Journal
- The escalating military buildup by Russia near Finland's border, as evidenced by the revamping of old military bases and the setting up of new headquarters, could potentially result in an increase of brigades to divisions, according to military expert Gustav Gressel, indicating a possible arms race in the region.
- As Russia continues its military buildup, experts predict that an attack on Finland could theoretically be on the cards in a few years, assuming the Kremlin brings its air force support points in the high north, on the Kola Peninsula, and in Karelia, up to speed, sparking concern for NATO and increased vigilance along Europe's periphery.
