Russia is building military infrastructure along its border with Finland as part of a wider military expansion to prepare for potential future conflict with NATO.
Russia’s Military Buildup in Finland Region
The American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia is expanding military infrastructure near the Finnish border. These activities are likely part of “a wider military expansion to prepare Russian forces for a potential future conflict with NATO.” The Soviet-era Rybka military base in Petrozavodsk, abandoned since the early 2000s, is now being renovated for use by the 44th Army Corps (Leningrad Military District).
Finnish public broadcaster Yle published satellite images from June 2024 to October 2025 showing Russian construction work at the base, located about 175 kilometers from the Finnish border. Yle also reported that Russians are building a military town in the Murmansk region, approximately 115 kilometers from Finland.
Strategic Military Reorganization
In 2024, Russia reorganized the Western Military District into the Leningrad and Moscow Military Districts. This move likely aims to strengthen strategic command in the northern direction and demonstrate force against NATO near the Finnish border. Russian officials, including Vladimir Putin, have previously threatened Finland using narratives similar to those falsely used to justify the invasion of Ukraine.
Russian Destabilization Efforts Against Latvia
Latvia’s State Security Service reported that Russian intelligence services remain the biggest threat to Latvia’s security. Despite its ongoing war against Ukraine, Russia continues to allocate significant resources to destabilize Latvia’s internal security through sabotage targeting state infrastructure, aggressive intelligence operations, and attempts to influence public opinion.
In the coming months, Russia is expected to maintain its position as the primary threat to Latvia’s national security. Moscow will likely seek to limit Latvia’s support for Ukraine, increase societal uncertainty, and undermine trust in state institutions. Attacks on selected infrastructure targets remain possible.
Russian Intelligence and Disinformation Campaigns
Russia will continue using the internet to recruit residents for intelligence operations and exploit Russian-speaking communities susceptible to Kremlin influence. To fuel social divisions, Moscow will intensify propaganda and disinformation campaigns targeting all Baltic countries, according to Latvia’s security service.
