Russia is expanding its military presence along Finland's border, constructing new infrastructure and enlarging bases in what experts believe could signal preparations for future conflict.
Satellite imagery has revealed new troop tents, expanding military bases and renovated Arctic airfields opposite Nato's northeastern flank.
The buildup comes as Moscow continues to strengthen its military capabilities across its northwestern frontier following Finland's accession to Nato in 2023, which extended the alliance's border with Russia by 835 miles.
Satellite imagery has revealed over 130 new troop tents erected in Kamenka, less than 40 miles from Finland and 140 miles from Helsinki. This previously unused base now appears capable of housing approximately 2,000 troops.
Russia is expanding its military presence along Finland's border (pictured)
REUTERS
The photographs also show intensifying activity at Soviet-era Arctic air bases at Severomorsk-2 and Olenya, where nuclear-capable Tu-22 and Tu-95 strategic bombers have been relocated. Russian helicopters have been spotted in the Arctic city of Murmansk for the first time in two decades.
Moscow has also undertaken significant organisational restructuring of its military forces near Finland. Last year, Russia re-established the Leningrad military district to increase its military presence adjacent to Finland, Estonia and Latvia.
Small brigades previously stationed along the border are being transformed into divisions of over 10,000 troops—nearly tripling in size.
In Kamenka, where the new tent rows have appeared, the 138th Motor Rifle Brigade has already been converted into the 69th Motor Rifle division.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen has described Russia as "an aggressive and dangerous neighbour for all of Europe" amid escalating tensions in the region.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Vladimir Putin has undertaken significant organisational restructuring of military forces near Finland
REUTERS
Speaking on Yle TV, Hakkanen highlighted unprecedented Russian military activities, including escort operations for "shadow fleet" tankers in the Gulf of Finland.
The minister also addressed recent airspace violations, including an incident last week when Russian air forces violated Estonian and Nato airspace, and a possible breach of Finnish airspace by two Russian military aircraft near Porvoo, east of Helsinki, which he called a "serious matter".
Finnish military officials maintain a measured stance on the threat, emphasising there is no immediate danger to Finland.
Major General Sami Nurmi, chief of strategy of the Finnish defence forces, told The Telegraph: "We do not see any immediate threat towards Finland."
However, officials believe they have up to five years until Moscow can strengthen its forces to concerning levels if the Ukraine war concludes.
"What we are seeing are the preparations for the future" when Russia will bring back forces fighting in Ukraine, Nurmi said. "But the troops on our borders will grow."
Finnish soldiers take part in Nato drill
GETTY
Nato officials have expressed growing concern about Russia's expanding military footprint in the Arctic region, which is becoming a centre of new geopolitical rivalry.
Major General Nurmi emphasised the strategic importance of this development, stating: "The Arctic is the important theatre of the future. This will not change. We are working very closely with our Arctic allies to assess Russia's plans."
Russia has reportedly moved some expensive military assets northward, partly to position them beyond the range of Ukrainian drones that have targeted air bases across Russia.
Finland is now preparing for a "long-term" strengthening of its defence capabilities, according to Defence Minister Hakkanen. The country has completed the first 22 miles of a planned 124-mile fence along its eastern border with Russia.
The 15-foot-high barrier, fortified with barbed wire, cameras and sensors, was constructed after Helsinki accused Moscow of directing migrants to Finland in a "hybrid operation" last year.
Finland's hybrid defence measures come alongside increased cooperation with Nato allies to maintain strong readiness on its territory.
Russia's military expansion extends beyond infrastructure to include increased recruitment and weapons production.
Vladimir Putin has ordered his military to increase from one million to 1.5 million troops, while military spending will reach 6 per cent of GDP this year—more than double the Nato average of 2.71 per cent.
Tank production is accelerating, though many new vehicles are not being deployed to Ukraine.
Russia has also intensified hybrid attacks on Finland and other Nato states, including GPS jamming along the border, cutting undersea cables and sabotage operations.
