The planned reforms in Russia’s military, including a 30% increase in the number of soldiers, pose a threat to NATO, requiring heightened vigilance, according to Pekka Turunen, the head of Finland’s military intelligence service, on January 16, reports RFE.
Key Points:
- Russian Military Reforms: Russia plans to increase its military personnel by 30%, which could significantly impact NATO’s security. This reform is expected to be implemented by 2026.
- NATO Response: Finland, which shares the longest EU border with Russia, joined NATO in 2023, followed by Sweden in 2024, both in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Threat to NATO: Turunen warned that these reforms represent a real threat to NATO, particularly if Russia achieves its goals by 2030. He emphasized the need for increased vigilance in response.
- Russian Military Expansion: The number of Russian troops stationed near Finland could double or even triple compared to pre-war levels in Ukraine, Turunen said.
Russia’s Position:
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated in December 2024 that Russia must be prepared to fight NATO in Europe within the next decade. President Vladimir Putin dismissed Western leaders’ warnings, claiming they were merely using the “mythical Russian threat” as a pretext to instill fear in their populations.
This growing military buildup underscores the need for continued NATO preparedness and strategic responses in the face of evolving threats from Russia.
