Russia’s military expansion near Finnish border raises questions, but no immediate threat to Helsinki, say experts
The construction of military facilities by Russia in Petrozavodsk and Alakurtti, both near the Finnish border, were reported by the Finnish publication Yle on Sept. 10, with experts and the Minister of Defense affirming however that there is presently no threat to Helsinki.
National experts received satellite images of these two locations, revealing that the Russian command has erected large hangars for servicing and storing equipment in Alakurtti, which is situated approximately 50 kilometers from the Finnish border. Media sources further note that similar processes are taking place in the Russian city of Petrozavodsk.
However, Yle noted that military equipment continues to be transported from this garrison to the ar zone in Ukraine.
The satellite images provide evidence that Russia has renewed its investments in constructing military bases near the Finnish border, marking a departure from the previous trend of reducing and downsizing its border garrisons over the past several years.
Major Marco Eklund, a retired Finnish Armed Forces officer with expertise in Russia, emphasized that the ongoing construction work does not necessarily imply an augmentation of Russian troops along the Finnish border.
“The primary focus for the military unit in Petrozavodsk is probably the refurbishment and provisioning of equipment destined for the Ukrainian front. I presume that the hangar built there serves maintenance purposes and provides shelter during the autumn and winter cold for equipment,” he explained.
Dr. Ilmari Kayhkö, a military science expert, shares a similar perspective and maintains that Russia has no apparent rationale for deploying forces along the Finnish border.
During a telephone interview with Yle, he firmly stated, “Equipment from there (Alakurtti and Petrozavodsk) is being sent to different locations, with Ukraine being the top priority.”
The Finnish Minister of Defense, Antti Häkkänen, also addressed the situation regarding the construction of hangars by Russia near the Finnish border. He asserted that the alterations observed in satellite images “do not constitute a threat to Finland.”
Finnish President Sauli Niinistö announced on Sept. 8 that the United States plans to establish a military base in Finland under the DCA agreement, which envisions enhanced and deepened military cooperation between Helsinki and Washington.
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