Russia steps up its military presence on the border of NATO country

According to recent satellite images, confirmed by NATO officials quoted by the New York Times, Russia has significantly increased its military presence near the border with Finland.

This situation is causing great concern among NATO member countries, particularly those sharing a border with Russia.

Satellite images reveal an increase in Russian military activity on the Finnish border, particularly at a previously inactive helicopter base.

According to the New York Times, these include the construction of new warehouses, probably for military vehicles, troop tents and fighter aircraft shelters.

NATO officials believe that these could be the first steps in a long-term expansion effort aimed at Alliance countries, once the war in Ukraine is over. They do not, however, see these recent military moves as an imminent threat.

These recent developments are likely to take center stage at the NATO summit in June.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, tensions on the Russian-Finnish border have risen sharply. Moscow’s offensive has upset the security order in Europe, prompting Finland to abandon its historic position of neutrality and join NATO in 2023. In response to this new situation, Finland launched the construction of a fence along its entire eastern border, in order to reinforce its national security and prevent any incursions from Russia.