Russia is building a new military base near the border with Finland — Yle
The Russian Federation has begun large-scale construction of a new military base near Finland’s eastern border, marking the first project of this scale since the Soviet era.
The new military facility is being built in the village of Nova Vilga near Petrozavodsk in the Republic of Karelia.
According to satellite monitoring data, preparatory work at the site began in November 2025 with large-scale deforestation.
Active earthworks began in the winter, and by the spring of 2026, builders had moved on to the phase of erecting permanent structures.
Currently, construction of about ten large barracks is underway on the territory of the future garrison, and the outlines of the parade ground, headquarters building, and other infrastructure elements are clearly visible.
According to expert Marco Eklund, the barracks have a three- to four-story design typical of the Russian army, measuring approximately 65 by 24 meters.
The new facility is designed to accommodate 4,000 to 6,000 military personnel, indicating plans to deploy a motorized rifle brigade or units of a new division.
Russian authorities officially confirmed the construction in late May 2026, when Russian Deputy Defense Minister Pavel Fradkov visited the site.
This was reported by the Finnish publication Yle, citing an analysis of recent satellite images and an assessment by former Finnish intelligence officer and military expert Marko Eklund.
Russia has concealed data on the growth of its national debt
Russia may deploy up to 115,000 troops near NATO
