Helsinki: New satellite images have uncovered notable Russian military activity close to Finland’s eastern border as Moscow and Kyiv continue discussions regarding a potential ceasefire. The photographs, obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT from Planet Labs, have raised alarm, with analysts highlighting an uptick in activity. According to the Helsinki Times, the visuals depict troop accommodation, aircraft deployments, and construction developments.
The SVT report further details satellite images showing helicopters, a new tent camp, and bombers in the region. Neither Finnish nor Russian officials have provided a response to the report. The satellite images indicate that Russian activity is concentrated at four locations: Kamenka on the Karelian Isthmus, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya.
In Kamenka, situated just 60 kilometers from the Finnish border, more than 130 military tents have been set up since February 2025, according to Helsinki Times. The area appears to have the capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 soldiers.
Approximately 175 kilometers to the east of the border, Russia has constructed three storage halls capable of housing up to 50 armored vehicles, as reported by SVT.
Military analyst Emil Kastehelmi explained that these activities are likely part of Russia’s post-NATO expansion response. Finland officially joined NATO in April 2023.
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Sweden’s Chief of Defence, Michael Claesson, added that the activity aligns with Russia’s previously stated “military-technical measures.”
“When we applied for NATO membership, Russia said it would take such steps. We are now seeing that happen,” Claesson stated.
In a separate development, Poland accused Russian intelligence services on Sunday of being behind a fire that destroyed a major shopping center in Warsaw last year. The fire, which occurred in May 2024, ravaged the Marywilska shopping center.
“We now know for sure that the great fire of the Marywilska shopping centre in Warsaw was caused by arson ordered by the Russian special services,” said Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on X.
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