Russia amassing a 100,000-strong army at the Finnish border

Military activity near the border between Russia and Finland has sharply increased. According to Finnish news agency Yle, the Russian Federation has begun building a new military garrison in the city of Kandalaksha, thereby seriously strengthening its border defense capabilities.

Excavation work is being carried out in the area of the military garrison named Lupche-Savino, and satellite images show the construction of new buildings. According to officials from the Murmansk region, a completely new military town is being built here for an artillery brigade. This is considered one of the strategic steps openly undertaken by the Russian side.

Yle notes that the garrison will no longer be used solely as a warehouse, and it is expected that units of an engineering brigade will also be stationed there. These changes have been recorded on satellite images for some time.

Another important point in Karelia — the Saperne garrison — has revealed a large amount of new equipment and machinery. According to journalistic analysis, this activity is connected to two main factors. The first is preparation of troops and equipment for the front, meaning for deployment to Ukraine. The second is Russia’s long-term military plans in the border area with Finland.

In addition, the structural composition of brigades based around St. Petersburg is changing: most are being converted into separate units, and their numbers are increasing two- or threefold. This means a serious expansion of military strength throughout the region.

According to Murmansk region governor Andrey Chibis, a total of 42 billion rubles (about 460 million euros) is planned to be allocated for the modernization of military towns in the region. As a result, not only will new military facilities be built, but existing infrastructure will also be modernized.

It was previously reported that the 44th Army Corps is being formed near the Finnish border. This means the Russian army in the region will increase by at least 15,000 personnel. In addition, a new railway troops brigade is being established in Petrozavodsk, which will include headquarters and a battalion. It is also noted that a mixed aviation unit has been formed in the city.

Before the large-scale war in Ukraine began, Russian forces near the Finnish border numbered about 30,000. As a result of ongoing construction, reorganizations, and modernization, this number may now reach 100,000.

Thus, Russia is not hiding its intention to strengthen its military presence not only on the Ukrainian front, but also in Northern Europe, approaching border stability under new pressure. Finnish experts and analysts are watching the situation with serious concern. This may mark a new geopolitical stage for the security of the entire region. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!