Russia is forming volunteer militia units on its Finnish border and other strategic locations amid rising tensions with NATO, according to TASS and officials, signalling heightened security measures.
Volunteer Militia Units at the Finland Border
Russian state agency TASS reported that the authorities of the Republic of Karelia are creating volunteer militia units along the Finland border. The aim is to support border guards in maintaining security.
Karelia’s leader Artur Parfenczikow highlighted that, given the complex situation between Russia and NATO countries, border protection has become especially important. He noted that volunteer militias have historically played a key role in preserving the country’s territorial integrity.
Citizen Forces to Protect Key Sites
TASS also reported the creation of volunteer units intended to safeguard vital facilities within Russia. The Kremlin reportedly fears retaliatory actions by Ukraine.
Sergei Shoigu stated that active measures to eliminate threats are ongoing at both federal and regional levels, with regions announcing their own initiatives. He added that the citizen initiative has received support from President Vladimir Putin.
State and Regional Security Initiatives
Confirmed by Shoigu, federal and local authorities are implementing comprehensive actions to protect key infrastructure from terrorist attacks carried out as part of a special military operation, per propaganda narratives surrounding the Ukraine conflict.
War in Ukraine Continues
While Russia tightens security around its borders and facilities, attacks in Ukraine persist. On October 29, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Moscow deployed more than 650 drones and over 50 various munitions, with several impacting residential buildings in Zaporizhzhia.
Because of these strikes, dozens were injured—including children—and two people died. In Luhansk, a seven‑year‑old boy was seriously wounded. Zelensky also reported numerous brutal attacks on energy facilities and civilian populations in several regions, including Vinnytsia, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, Chernivtsi, Sumy, Ivano‑Frankivsk, and Lviv.