Russia is expanding its military infrastructure at the border with Finland, indicating preparations for a possible conflict with NATO, shows an ISW report.

Russia is building military infrastructure near the border with Finland, likely as part of broader military expansion efforts aimed at preparing Russian forces for a potential future conflict with NATO, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

The ISW report cites satellite images published by the Finnish broadcaster Yle showing active work at the Rybka military base in Petrozavodsk, located 175 km from the Finnish border. This area, largely abandoned since the 2000s, is now used by the 44th Army Corps of the Leningrad Military District, which could deploy up to 15,000 soldiers.

Additionally, at the Besovets airbase, there are approximately 80 fighter jets, including modern models.

Recent images also indicate the construction of a new military town in Kandalaksha, intended for artillery brigades. ISW emphasizes that Russia has restructured the Western Military District to strengthen strategic command in the northern direction. Russian officials, including President Putin, have issued direct threats to Finland, using language similar to that used to justify the invasion of Ukraine.

ISW analysts believe that Moscow is intensifying preparations for a conflict with NATO, expanding its arms production and mobilizing the population.