Russia expands military presence near Finnish border

By admin On May 6, 2025

Russia is strengthening its military infrastructure near the Finnish border and other parts of NATO’s northern flank, according to Finnish defence analyst Emil Kastehelmi.

Kastehelmi reports visible progress in military construction and logistics, based on satellite imagery and public data. The developments follow Russia’s recent reorganisation of its armed forces in the northwest, including the re-establishment of the Leningrad Military District.

Two brigades stationed near St Petersburg have been expanded into full divisions, increasing personnel and equipment. This has prompted an associated expansion of support facilities.

One key location is Kamyanka, where a tent camp has appeared at a military base. Satellite images show ongoing work on warehouses used by the 44th Army Corps near Petrozavodsk. New construction activity is also underway at the base of the 80th Motorized Rifle Brigade.

Along parts of the Finnish border, there are signs of trench systems under construction. Kastehelmi believes these are inspired by lessons learned from the war in Ukraine, where static defences have played a major role.

These changes are seen as part of a broader military shift in northwest Russia. Kastehelmi said further upgrades to airfields and logistics hubs are underway but not yet fully documented. He plans to publish more findings on those developments in future reports.

The activity around Finland marks a gradual but visible adjustment in Russia’s defence posture following NATO’s enlargement. Finland joined NATO in April 2023, sharing a 1,340-kilometre land border with Russia.

Kastehelmi said current changes are still limited in scale but are expected to continue and intensify in the coming years.

Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi