Recently released satellite images by Swedish broadcaster SVT, in collaboration with Planet Labs, have revealed a significant escalation of Russia’s military presence near the border with Finland at a time of heightened sensitivity following NATO’s expansion.
According to the analysis, Moscow has taken steps to construct military infrastructure at four key bases: Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya. In Kamenka just 35 miles from the Finnish border over 130 military tents have been set up since February, potentially housing up to 2,000 troops.
Meanwhile, in Petrozavodsk, roughly 100 miles from the border, three large warehouses have been constructed, believed to be used for storing armored vehicles. At Severomorsk-2, a previously closed airbase, satellite images show the base back in operation with helicopters stationed near the runway. This base lies about 110 miles from the Finnish border and less than 70 miles from Norway.
Additionally, Olenya airbase, located 90 miles from the Finnish border, has reportedly been used by Russian bombers to carry out strikes on targets in Ukraine, according to Ukrainian authorities.
These developments are seen as a direct response to Finland’s NATO membership on April 4, 2023, which extended the alliance’s border with Russia by more than 800 miles. At the time, the Kremlin had warned of “military-technical retaliatory measures.”
“When we applied for NATO membership, Russia said it would take such steps. Now we’re seeing it happen,” said Michael Claesson, Sweden’s Chief of Defence.
