Russian military builds up presence along Finnish border, 'expanding brigades into divisions'

The 1,343-kilometer Russian-Finnish border could become a hotspot, according to military analysts, not least because a large part of the border lies in the increasingly contested Arctic Circle. Recent satellite images show that Russian forces are building up their presence along the Finnish border, reinforcing bases and constructing infrastructure.

Finnish defense officials predict that once the 'high-intensity phase' of the Ukraine war is over, Russia will direct thousands of troops to the new NATO border. NATO officials have confirmed the images, which show tent camps, new storage facilities for military vehicles, renovations of shelters for combat aircraft, and steady construction activities at a previously unused helicopter base.

The buildup appears to be in an embryonic phase and the start of a larger long-term expansion. According to Finnish officials, it could take up to five years for the buildup to reach a threatening level, but they are convinced it will happen.