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Finland expects Russia to move some of its troops back to the common border after the war in Ukraine ends, Major General Sami Nurmi said. According to the military, Moscow is already building up infrastructure near the Finnish border, which may indicate a long-term military presence in the region.
This was reported by The Guardian, France 24 and the New York Times.
Satellite images show the construction of new facilities near Murmansk, Olenyagorsk, Alakurtti, Petrozavodsk and Kamenka. This includes the construction of bases, hangars for aircraft, facilities for armoured vehicles, and the return of helicopters to bases that have not been used for 20 years.
In response, Finland has completed the first 35 km of the border fence with Russia, which is equipped with cameras and sensors. Helsinki is also intensively monitoring Russia’s actions and preparing for a worst-case scenario, although it sees no immediate threat.
“After the war, Moscow can bring back to our borders the forces that are currently fighting in Ukraine. This includes ground forces,” Nurmi said.
Analysts warn that the region around Murmansk, where Russia’s nuclear forces and Northern Fleet are based, could become a flashpoint in the event of future escalation between NATO and Russia.
