Putin Has Already Chosen the 'Next Ukraine' – Which Country Is at Risk

The German publication Welt has published an investigation based on satellite images about Russia's buildup of military infrastructure along the border with Finland. Experts see this as preparation for a long-term confrontation with NATO. The expansion of the base in Pechenga (from 4,000 to 10,000 troops), a new facility in Kandalaksha, and the creation of the 44th Army Corps are mentioned. The plan is to increase the group's strength to 115,000 soldiers. Finland has lifted its ban on the transit of nuclear weapons, drawing a reaction from Moscow.

The German publication Welt has published an investigation based on satellite images and data from Scandinavian and Baltic media, according to which Russia is actively building up its military potential along the border with Finland. Experts view this as preparation for a long-term confrontation with NATO after the active phase of the war in Ukraine ends. The article lists specific facilities: the expansion of the base in Pechenga on the Kola Peninsula (the number of personnel is planned to increase from 4,000 to 10,000), the construction of a new facility in Kandalaksha (about 2,000 people), and the creation of infrastructure for the 44th Army Corps in Novaya Vilga near Petrozavodsk. According to estimates, Russia plans to increase the group's strength in the region to 115,000 soldiers, comparable to Cold War levels (currently about 20,000). Senior Research Fellow at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs, Matti Pesu, notes that Russia is building infrastructure to accommodate more troops. The head of Swedish intelligence, Thomas Nilsson, emphasizes that this is preparation for a direct clash with NATO. Experts call the next three years a 'completely dangerous' period. Scenarios considered include: protecting nuclear capabilities, pressuring neighbors, and a diversionary maneuver to weaken NATO in the event of a crisis in the Baltics. In response, Finland has lifted its ban on the transit and temporary storage of nuclear weapons, which drew a sharp reaction from Moscow.