Satellite images have recently revealed a significant increase in Russian military activity near Finland’s eastern border. This new military buildup has raised concerns among neighboring nations, particularly after Finland’s formal accession to NATO in 2023.
The images, which were obtained by Swedish broadcaster SVT from Planet Labs, show disturbing signs of reinforced military presence in the area. The activity spans multiple locations in the region, including Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya, each showing visible signs of infrastructure expansion and troop accommodation.
Growing Military Presence at Kamenka
One of the most notable areas of increased military activity is Kamenka, located just 60 kilometers from the Finnish border. Satellite images show that at than 130 military tents have been erected since February 2025. These tents are spread across a previously undeveloped area that only existed as an empty plot of land in 2022. Today, the site has been transformed into a fully operational military base capable of housing up to 2,000 soldiers. This new development suggests that Russia is significantly strengthening its presence in the region in response to Finland joining NATO.
The strategic location of Kamenka, positioned so close to Finland’s border, makes it a crucial site for military preparedness. The rapid deployment of tents and other infrastructure raises questions about Russia’s intentions and the preparedness of its forces in the region. Analysts have noted that the developments at Kamenka are part of a broader trend of increased military activity near Finland’s border, which had not been visible before NATO’s expansion.
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Infrastructure Expansion in Petrozavodsk
Another interesting location is Petrozavodsk, which is around 175 kilometers from the Finnish border. Satellite images reveal the construction of several large storage facilities designed to accommodate military vehicles. Three large storage halls have already been completed, with each hall capable of housing about 50 armoured vehicles. A fourth storage facility is currently under construction, further indicating the scale of military preparations in the region.
The purpose of these large storage units, as seen in the satellite images, is likely to conceal military vehicles from aerial observation, which would otherwise make them vulnerable to detection. The presence of such infrastructure suggests that Russia may be increasing the number of armoured vehicles in the area, possibly to strengthen its defense capabilities or to bolster its forces for potential military operations. Satellite images clearly highlight the rapid development of Petrozavodsk’s military facilities, underscoring Russia’s growing military presence close to Finland’s border.
Revitalization of Severomorsk-2 and Olenya Airbases
In addition to ground-based military developments, there is also considerable activity in Russia’s airbases located further north. One such base is Severomorsk-2, located above the Arctic Circle. This previously disused airbase is currently undergoing renovations, with satellite images showing multiple helicopters now stationed there.
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The work at Severomorsk-2 suggests that Russia may be planning to restore its runways and facilities to accommodate fixed-wing military aircraft in the future. The addition of helicopters to the base is an indication that Russia is preparing for both aerial and ground-based operations in the region.
Further south, the Olenya airbase is another critical site of interest. Russian strategic bombers have reportedly been operating from this base, conducting attacks on targets in Ukraine. The presence of bombers at Olenya underscores the military significance of the region and the potential for escalation in the area, particularly in light of ongoing Russian military operations in Ukraine.
Russia appears to be getting ready for increased military readiness in response to NATO’s expansion, based on satellite images showing its military buildup close to Finland’s border. While Finland’s membership in NATO officially shifted the alliance’s border onto Russia’s northwest flank in 2023, the gradual increase in Russian military activity along its border with Finland marks a more visible response to the change in the region’s security landscape.
Satellite images from multiple locations—Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya—highlight Russia’s growing military presence in the region, signaling potential shifts in its defensive and offensive strategies.
As these military developments unfold, Finland and Sweden, alongside other NATO allies, are closely monitoring the situation. The heightened activity in these strategic areas close to Finland’s border, as revealed by recent satellite images, serves as a reminder of the continuous hostilities between Russia and NATO as well as the profound effects that military buildups can have on the dynamics of regional security.