Finns do not need to be concerned, according to Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP).
Yle reported this week that Russia is rapidly constructing a new large military garrison in Petrozavodsk, near the Finnish border.
Military expert Marko Eklund told Yle, the facility will likely host a mobile infantry brigade or the main components of a mobile infantry division, which would be a question of between 4,000 and 6,000 troops.
He said that additional support troops are also likely, which could mean up to 15,000 troops very close in the Karelian region’s forests.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen (NCP) told Yle that Finland knows exactly how Russia is arming itself and building infrastructure near its borders.
“New structures are being built there, and they also have this armament program underway, which they are currently carrying out. There is nothing surprising about the fact that at the same time, we are of course strengthening our own defense capability on Finland’s part and Nato’s part,” he said.
According to Häkkänen, Europe needs to keep up with Russia in those regards.
The minister did not reveal all the details that Finland is aware of regarding Russia’s military activities, but commented about the situation generally.
“Russia is creating new military units, multiplying troop numbers, as well as building capability so that it can quickly mobilise troops from other parts of Russia,” Häkkänen said.
He said that people in Finland do not need to be concerned about the matter.
“Finns can be completely at ease,” he said.
The latest All Points North podcast delves into a sudden drone alert that briefly shut down the capital region before being lifted just hours later.
Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, via Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Inside Finland’s drone scare
