Pictures from the satellite showed the truth. Anxiety in NATO is growing: this is the beginning
Since Finland’s accession to NATO in 2023, relations with Russia have become even more tense. The Kremlin carefully observes the movement of the alliance, and now – according to the analysis of satellite photos published by the New York Times – he himself undertakes extensive actions along the eastern flank of the alliance.
Step by step, Moscow rebuilds the potential in the north
According to information obtained by « NYT », there are clear signs of revival in Russian military bases near the Finnish border. Satellite photos PBCs provided by Planet Labs show increased activity in four locations: Kamienka, Pietrozawodsk, Siewieromorsk-2 and Olenja.
In Kamience, only 60 km from the border with Finland, over 130 military tents were set up in three years. They were created in Pietrozawodsk Three storage halls can accommodate dozens of armored vehicles, and the next four are under construction.
At the Siewieromorsk-2 airport, located about 190 km from the border, the infrastructure is modernized. Helicopters were also located there, which according to analysts can mean preparations for the creation of a permanent air component in this area.
Arctic again with the Kremlin’s priority
Russian military activity is not limited to direct borders with Finland. Moscow also rebuilds its potential in the Arctic region. Battle aircraft again appeared at Olenja airport near Murmansk – for the first time in two decades. This is a strategic place from which bombers hit the goals in Ukraine.
– Access to the Arctic is crucial if Russia wants to be a world power again – says an anonymous NATO official quoted by « NYT ».
Experts note that the reconstruction of the military potential in this region is part of the Kremlin wider strategy, aimed at securing influence in the north and putting pressure on NATO’s eastern flank.
Why does it matter?
Although now Russia does not keep significant forces at the border with Finland, Helsinki have no illusions. They know that if The war in Ukraine will be suspendedthousands of Russian soldiers can be moved north.
– If Russia realizes its plans, in the coming years on the borders with Finland, Norway and the Baltic States may appear tens of thousands of soldiers – says Emil Kastehelmi, an analyst from the Finnish Osint Black Bird Group.
Finnish military intelligence predicts that increased military presence will become visible in the next five years. Also Michael Kofman from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace believes that changes in the structure of Russian military districts prove that the Kremlin perceives regions neighboring NATO as a priority.
NATO does not ignore the signals from the north
Although western allies are still calm, no one remains indifferent to Russian actions. NATO officials confirm that the expansion of the databases has been recorded and that the situation is constantly monitored. – This is only an early stage of greater expansion – admit « NYT » interlocutors.
Meanwhile, Finland is already strengthening its defense infrastructure and increases the readiness of the armed forces. NATO membership gives her new possibilities, but also makes it a direct purpose of the Kremlin’s strength.
Source: « New York Times », X
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Planet Labs PBC / Airbus / SVT.SE / –
Reinforcement next to the eastern flank of NATO. Russia rebuilds the potential.
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Planet Labs PBC / Airbus / SVT.SE / –
Kamienka 2022 and 2024
