NATO Plans Deployment of Additional Armored Brigade Near Russia – Reports
NATO is said to be preparing to deploy as many as 5,000 troops in Finland, located merely 87 miles from the nation's border with Russia. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
NATO is set to establish an armored brigade in Finland as a measure to counter Russian influence, as reported by Finnish newspaper Iltalehti. The brigade, which could include between 4,000 and 5,000 troops, will be located in Mikkeli, a town in southeastern Finland, approximately 87 miles from the Russian border with a population of around 51,000.
According to Iltalehti, the brigade will be composed of NATO forces primarily from Sweden and Norway. The Finnish government supports the stationing of foreign troops as a means to "strengthen preventative deterrence" against potential Russian aggression.
An official announcement regarding the establishment of a NATO military headquarters in Mikkeli is expected within a few weeks, the newspaper added.
After abandoning its long-held stance of neutrality and joining NATO in April 2023 due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Finland has faced significant changes. Russian officials have stated that they will modify their defense strategies in response, although they do not consider Finland’s NATO membership a direct existential threat.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, in a discussion with Yle, a state broadcaster, emphasized that Finland is currently negotiating with several NATO members about stationing troops in the country. He highlighted the importance of having a substantial and comprehensive NATO presence, capable of responding effectively in potential crisis scenarios. Soldiers from Finland and other NATO nations might engage in extensive military drills, especially if tensions escalate at the border, he noted.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, pointed out an increase in Finland's military activities since joining NATO, accusing Helsinki of aligning with Western strategies aimed at strategically defeating Russia.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
According to Iltalehti, the brigade will be composed of NATO forces primarily from Sweden and Norway. The Finnish government supports the stationing of foreign troops as a means to "strengthen preventative deterrence" against potential Russian aggression.
An official announcement regarding the establishment of a NATO military headquarters in Mikkeli is expected within a few weeks, the newspaper added.
After abandoning its long-held stance of neutrality and joining NATO in April 2023 due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Finland has faced significant changes. Russian officials have stated that they will modify their defense strategies in response, although they do not consider Finland’s NATO membership a direct existential threat.
Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, in a discussion with Yle, a state broadcaster, emphasized that Finland is currently negotiating with several NATO members about stationing troops in the country. He highlighted the importance of having a substantial and comprehensive NATO presence, capable of responding effectively in potential crisis scenarios. Soldiers from Finland and other NATO nations might engage in extensive military drills, especially if tensions escalate at the border, he noted.
Maria Zakharova, a spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, pointed out an increase in Finland's military activities since joining NATO, accusing Helsinki of aligning with Western strategies aimed at strategically defeating Russia.
Aarav Patel for TROIB News
