Russia is setting up a new military base near the border with Finland

Russia has begun preparing the site for a new military unit near Petrozavodsk in Karelia, close to the border with Finland. Satellite images show extensive deforestation, which may be related to the establishment of a new garrison.

According to Finnish experts, units of the railway troops could be stationed there. If the plans are carried out, several thousand soldiers could serve at the new base.

Satellite images show a section of forest approximately one kilometer long and up to 400 meters wide that has already begun to be cleared. Work is ongoing, and the cleared area is expanding. At the same time, there are currently no buildings, roads, or foundations on the site.

Russian official sources have not reported on the start of such work. Military expert Marko Eklund, who previously worked for Finnish military intelligence, believes that this most likely involves the construction of a railway troops garrison.

According to him, the location and timing coincide with Russia’s previously announced plans to establish such a unit in Petrozavodsk. “This is a very large-scale deforestation, so I don’t think it could be anything else. The location and timing match,” Eklund said. The new facility is planned to be located near the old tractor plant between the Kukkovka and Klyuchova districts in Petrozavodsk. According to the expert’s estimates, the future garrison could number 2,500–3,000 military personnel. Most of them will likely be stationed at the new base.

In Russia, the Railway Troops are responsible for the construction, repair, and restoration of railways for the army’s needs. They also participate in ensuring the movement of military equipment and personnel. Finland and most Western countries do not have separate railway troops. In Russia, however, such units remain part of the military structure. Eklund noted that many Russian railway lines used by the military run close to the Finnish border.

According to him, the establishment of a new garrison could be part of a broader effort to strengthen Russia’s military presence in Karelia. Russia is also modernizing other military facilities in the Petrozavodsk area.

Another garrison is located in the village of Shuya, north of the city. After the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine, some of the equipment was transferred from there to the front lines, but military vehicles later began reappearing at the base.

According to Eklund, this facility may be linked to the formation of the 44th Army Corps in Karelia. If the new corps is fully formed, up to 15,000 additional troops could be deployed to the region. In addition, the expert drew attention to changes at the Besovets airfield near Petrozavodsk. Satellite images show that several light hangars for fighter jets appeared there in June.

This may indicate a further strengthening of Russia’s military infrastructure near the border with Finland, which joined NATO following the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. YLE reported this.

Russia likely has several scenarios for potential aggression against European countries and NATO’s eastern flank. This view was expressed by Oleksandr Musienko, a Ukrainian Armed Forces servicemember and military analyst.