Russia is carrying out large-scale deforestation near the border with Finland to build military bases

The Center for Countering Disinformation reported this, citing satellite imagery and a journalistic investigation.

The Center notes that the construction is the Kremlin’s response to Finland’s accession to NATO. Despite Moscow’s statements about the alleged absence of territorial claims, Russia is expanding its military infrastructure near the Finnish border.

According to the Center, the deforestation indicates Russia’s long-term plans to militarize the region. The new facilities are intended to accommodate units of the Leningrad Military District and strengthen the military presence near the borders of NATO countries.

The Center emphasized that such construction refutes the Kremlin’s claims of “peacefulness” and demonstrates the continuation of a policy of military pressure on European states.

As a reminder, the United Kingdom, Poland, Finland, and the Netherlands have announced the creation of a new Multilateral Defense Mechanism (MDM), which is intended to accelerate the financing of defense programs, joint arms procurement, and the development of allied military capabilities. One of the key priorities of the initiative is continued support for Ukraine in countering Russian aggression.

In addition, the Russian government has decided to temporarily suspend traffic through a number of railway border crossings on the borders with Finland, Estonia, and Latvia, effective July 1, 2026.