Finland Braces for Russian Buildup Near Border: “We Prepare for the Worst”
Finland is closely monitoring signs of a growing Russian military presence near its eastern border, with top military officials warning that troop movements and infrastructure expansion could accelerate once the war in Ukraine ends, The Gaze reports, citing The Guardian.
Major General Sami Nurmi, head of strategy for the Finnish Defence Forces, said the buildup is being watched “very closely” and described Finland’s posture as one of readiness: “It is our job, as part of the NATO alliance, to prepare for the worst.”
Recent satellite imagery reveals expanding Russian military activity along the Finnish frontier. This includes new infrastructure such as military vehicle rows, renovated fighter jet shelters, and a previously unused helicopter base now under construction.
“They are changing structures and we are seeing moderate preparations,” Nurmi stated, adding, “They will, once the war in Ukraine hopefully ends, start to bring back the forces that have been fighting in Ukraine, especially land forces.”
While the developments are not seen as an immediate threat, they mark a continued shift in Russia’s posture since Finland joined NATO in 2023. “It’s not big construction, but in certain places building new infrastructure and preparing, bringing new equipment in,” Nurmi explained.
Russia’s evolving military footprint has led Finland to reinforce its own defenses. On Wednesday, the Finnish Border Guard confirmed completion of the first 35 km of a planned 200 km high-tech border fence, designed to monitor and distinguish movement with cameras and sensors. The border has been closed for over a year following accusations that Moscow directed asylum seekers toward Finland in a “hybrid operation.”
Despite the increased tension, Nurmi reaffirmed: “There is no immediate military threat towards Finland or NATO from this direction.” He noted Russia is likely balancing preparations for troop rotations into Ukraine with post-war regional deployments.
U.S. President Donald Trump appeared unconcerned by the developments, telling reporters: “I’m not worried about it at all. Finland and Norway are going to be very safe.”
Finland’s civilian population remains calm but prepared. The Finnish Women’s National Emergency Preparedness Association (Nasta) reports sustained interest in its emergency training programs, with most courses fully booked within minutes of opening.
Read more on The Gaze: Why Russia May Advance Further Into Europe If Not Stopped