Danish intelligence reports that Russia is preparing for war with the West
A new satellite image has captured columns of Russian tents, base expansions and modernisation of Arctic airfields along the border with Finland and Norway.
The Kremlin is actively building up its military potential on the country's north-western borders - from modernisation of Arctic bases to the formation of new divisions, which may indicate that it is preparing for a possible confrontation with NATO after the end of hostilities in Ukraine. This is according to the British publication The Telegraph.
Satellites detect activity
New satellite images show increased construction of military infrastructure near the borders with Finland and Norway: tent columns have been deployed, bases are being expanded, and airfields, including Arctic ones, are being modernised.
According to Major General Sami Nurmi, this is a strategic preparation for the return of Russian troops from the Ukrainian front and their possible deployment near the borders of NATO countries.
Russia has also reconstituted the Leningrad Military District, covering areas off Finland, Estonia and Latvia. Former brigades are being transformed into full divisions of more than 10,000 men.
Military planning is not new
Security expert Emil Kastehelmi explains: Moscow's current actions are both a continuation of old plans and a reaction to Sweden's and Finland's entry into NATO. According to him, the Kremlin is actively strengthening its position in the Arctic by deploying strategic bombers and helicopters near Murmansk.
The Arctic will remain a key area for Russia's military presence, Nurmi emphasised.
Hybrid attacks are already underway
Finland has noted an increase in hybrid threats from Russia - including GPS jamming, damaging infrastructure and provoking migration flows to the border. After joining NATO in 2023, the country has begun building a 200-kilometre wall, the first sections of which have already been constructed.
Former Finnish Army Commander Jarmo Lindberg said monitoring Russian activity remains a priority.
We know Russia will be a threat. We are ready. Already now," he emphasised.
When is escalation possible?
According to Danish intelligence estimates, Russia could be capable of launching a new ground campaign against Europe as early as five years from now. Some sources cite a timeframe of two years.
Earlier, Sergei Naryshkin, director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service, admitted that in the event of a conflict with NATO, "the Baltic States and Poland could be the first to suffer." He accuses them of "aggressiveness."
US position
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, commenting on increased Russian military activity near NATO's northern borders, said he saw no reason for concern: "Finland and Norway will be perfectly safe."