Kathrine Frich
One of the most striking developments is a tent camp.
One of the most striking developments is a tent camp.
Two Years After NATO Move
Vladimir Putin has ramped up Russia’s military presence along the border with Finland, just two years after the Nordic nation joined NATO.
According to Finnish state broadcaster Yle, new satellite images reveal major troop buildup and construction near the frontier, raising tensions in the region once again.
Satellite Images Reveal New Garrison Near Finland
Yle reports that satellite imagery confirms the development of a garrison for an artillery brigade in Kandalaksha, Murmansk region, just 150 kilometers from the Finnish border.
The site shows not only military structures but ongoing construction, indicating a likely permanent deployment of troops in the area.
Military Town Springs Up in Murmansk
Russian local officials have confirmed the creation of a new “military town” in Murmansk, with old Soviet-era apartment blocks being renovated to accommodate troops.
This further signals Moscow’s intent to solidify its military footprint close to NATO’s northeastern flank.
Expansion at Multiple Bases Near Finnish Frontier
The changes in Kandalaksha are just one piece of a larger pattern.
According to Yle and Digi24, several other bases near the border are being expanded.
In Petrozavodsk, three massive depots capable of housing 50 armored vehicles each have been constructed, suggesting preparations for rapid mobilization.
Tent City for Thousands Spotted in Kamenka
One of the most striking developments is a tent camp set up at the Kamenka base, reportedly large enough to house thousands of soldiers.
Meanwhile, Russia is also renovating the long-defunct Severomorsk-2 air base, which has been closed since 1998, potentially reviving it as a northern air operations hub.
NATO: Not Comparable to Ukraine Invasion—Yet
Despite the buildup, NATO sources caution that current activity near Finland does not resemble the scale or urgency seen ahead of Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
There’s no sign yet of offensive mobilization, but the developments are being closely monitored by Western defense officials.
Longest NATO-Russia Border Now Under Watch
Finland’s 1,340-kilometer border with Russia is now the longest shared boundary between NATO and Moscow.
Since Helsinki’s historic NATO accession in 2023, tensions have simmered, and this latest military expansion is being viewed as a clear warning from the Kremlin that it hasn’t forgotten the move.