According to a former commander of the Baltic Sea Fleet, Russia’s decision to establish a new missile brigade in Karelia equipped with Iskander ballistic missiles is an “adequate response” to Finland’s potential NATO membership. The news was reported by Izvestija magazine on Friday, stating that this move is in direct response to Finland’s interests in NATO.
Dmitri Boltenkov, another military expert interviewed by Izvestija, emphasized the importance of monitoring Finland closely due to their recent NATO inclinations. He highlighted the presence of American or British soldiers in Finland as a potential threat to Russian interests. In light of Finland’s potential NATO membership, Boltenkov justified the strengthening of Russian forces in the northwestern direction as a defensive measure. He pointed out that Finland boasts a well-equipped military, making it crucial for Russia to be prepared for any potential threats stemming from the presence of foreign troops in the region.
The admiral Vladimir Valuev also stated that the establishment of this missile brigade is a timely and sufficient response to Finland’s interests in NATO. Russia has also announced plans to strengthen its forces in the newly established Leningrad military district near Finland, indicating a strategic shift in military presence.
According to Izvestija magazine, this move is seen as an adequate response by Russia to Finland’s potential NATO membership. It highlights the importance of monitoring Finland closely due to their recent NATO inclinations and justifies the strengthening of Russian forces in the northwestern direction as a defensive measure against any potential threats stemming from the presence of foreign troops in the region.
