Satellite images show Russian military buildup near Finnish border

The images, obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT from Planet Labs, show activity at four locations: Kamenka on the Karelian Isthmus, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya.

Satellite images have revealed significant new Russian military activity near Finland’s eastern border , with analysts citing increased troop accommodation, aircraft deployment, and infrastructure construction at key military bases.

The findings suggest Russia is reinforcing its military footprint in the region following Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO.

At Kamenka, just 60 kilometres from the Finnish border, over 130 military tents have been erected since February 2025. The area, previously undeveloped in 2022, now appears capable of housing up to 2,000 soldiers, according to SVT.

Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi described the changes as signs of “increasing activity” and a delayed implementation of measures promised by Russia following NATO expansion.

In Petrozavodsk, roughly 175 kilometres from the border, three large storage halls have been constructed, each potentially able to hold around 50 armoured vehicles. A fourth facility is under construction as of April 2025. Analysts believe the new structures may be intended to conceal the number of vehicles stationed there.

North of the Arctic Circle, Severomorsk-2, a previously disused airbase, is being renovated. Satellite imagery shows multiple helicopters now parked at the base. Analysts suggest the goal is to restore the runways for fixed-wing military aircraft.

Further activity was noted at Olenya airbase, from where Russian strategic bombers are reportedly operating. According to Ukrainian sources, bombers flying from Olenya have been used in attacks on targets in Ukraine.

Sweden’s Chief of Defence Michael Claesson said the developments appear to confirm earlier Russian statements about “military-technical measures” in response to NATO’s enlargement.

“When we applied for NATO membership, Russia said it would take such steps. We are now seeing that happen,” Claesson said.

Finland’s membership in NATO, formalised in 2023, shifted the alliance’s border directly onto Russia’s northwest flank. Since then, Finland has moved to strengthen its own defence posture, including hosting a new NATO forward command centre in Lapland, expected to be operational later this year.

Though Moscow initially gave no visible military response to NATO expansion, the satellite imagery now points to gradual preparations on the Russian side of the border.

The changes come amid ongoing Russian operations in Ukraine and sustained international scrutiny of Russia’s military posture in the Baltic and Arctic regions. Finnish and Swedish defence officials said they continue to monitor developments closely.