Name: Finland on alert as Russia bolsters military along border
Uploaded: 2025-12-18T15:51:12.769Z
Duration: 5 min 4 s
Description: Finland is strengthening civil defense along its eastern border, so that the country is prepared in case Russia attacks.

Finland is strengthening civil defense along its eastern border, so that the country is prepared in case Russia attacks.

Helsinki

Finland is closely monitoring increased Russian military activity along their 1,300-kilometre shared border, including the modernization of bases and a permanent boost in troop numbers. In response, Finland has expanded civil defense training, particularly for women, and has strengthened its military ties with NATO allies following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Finnish officials state that while there is no immediate threat of a traditional attack, the country remains vigilant due to Russia's ongoing military buildup and aggressive posture in the region. Recent Russian military exercises in the Baltic Sea and reports of airspace violations have heightened concerns among Finnish security analysts, who warn of broader implications for European security.

Finland on alert as Russia bolsters military along border

Here's the starter. Give it a good pull. What to do when the power goes out? These women are here to learn the answer. Instead of spending the weekend with friends or family, they've come to a Finnish army barracks to learn about electrical engineering and emergency power generators. The course is open only to women. Among them, Taija Lassila from Helsinki. If there's a major power outage, I want to know what I can do. I don't have any military experience. I want to be prepared. I'm very worried about the current global situation. Survival training, civil and national defence. Finland offers a comprehensive range of courses for civilian women. The training is designed to teach women like Taija how to help in crisis and emergency situations. I think it's because of our history and experiences in World War II. We in Finland are kind of survival artists. We're closely connected to nature. In our country there are often huge distances between cities. That's why we Finns always want to be able to stand on our own two feet. To be prepared for anything that might happen. In Finland this is a way of life. The border with neighbour Russia is long, more than 1300 kilometres, about the distance between Paris and Warsaw. Only a few stretches have fences like this one. Emil Kastahelmi keeps an eye on what's happening on the other side of the fence by analysing satellite images. Surveillance has shown that Russia is currently arming itself along the border. We're seeing that Russia is modernising its old bases along the border. They're changing their structures within the army and air force. They're permanently increasing their troop strength. We assume that Russia will continue to expand its military infrastructure and bases. Emil has founded a company with friends that evaluates freely available information, such as geodata and satellite images, for its clients. Emil believes Russia plans to use the modernised bases to train soldiers for the war in Ukraine. He doesn't think the activity poses a direct threat to Finland. Even so... I'm concerned for sure. We've got an enemy nation right next door that's significantly arming itself. An imminent attack, a traditional war, I don't think that's a possibility. But we need to keep a close eye on the situation. Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Finland has also realigned its security policy. The country joined NATO two years ago. Just last May, Finnish armed forces trained alongside soldiers from Germany, Estonia, Lithuania and the UK. It's one reason why Finland's defence minister remains markedly calm. Finland is safe. We know full well that even after the war in Ukraine, Russia will bolster its military capabilities in the long term. It remains an aggressive and dangerous neighbour for all of Europe. That's why we're also strengthening our defences and maintaining close contact with our NATO allies. Tensions are rising, especially in the Baltic Sea region. For example, there have been several reports of airspace violations by Russian bombers. In late May, the Russian military published images of this exercise in the Baltic Sea, involving 3,000 soldiers and 20 warships. Some Finnish security analysts are already saying this represents a threat to the whole of Europe. Overall, the security situation in Europe can be described as hot peace. Russia is actively attempting to influence and divide Western countries. Sabotage attacks are repeatedly occurring in the Baltic Sea, evidence of just how tense the situation is. Back at the barracks, an instructor is showing Taija Lassila and the other participants how to use a voltage tester. She thinks the day has been worthwhile. It was interesting. An emergency generator isn't as complicated as I thought. Taija Lassila plans to take more courses. That's because, she says, there's no sign tensions will ease soon.

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