Satellite images reveal: Russia builds barracks near Finland and Norway border

Russia has actively developed military infrastructure along its western border throughout winter 2025-2026, including areas near the borders with Finland and Norway. This is revealed by new satellite images from Planet Labs, analysed in a joint investigation by NRK, SVT, DR and Delfi. Finland estimates that Russia could quadruple its forces in the border areas.

Russia has built barracks and storage facilities on its western border, including in regions near the Finnish and Norwegian borders, according to satellite images from Planet Labs analysed in a joint investigation by media outlets from four countries. The investigation was conducted by Norway's NRK, Sweden's SVT, Denmark's DR and Estonia's Delfi.

Four times more forces

Finland's military analyses are concerning: according to Finnish armed forces data, Russia has the theoretical capacity to quadruple the number of forces stationed in the border areas. This would represent a significant increase in military pressure for both Finland and Norway, which are both NATO members.

The satellite images reveal new construction sites positioned strategically in important locations along the western border. The barracks and storage facilities suggest planning for long-term permanent presence, not temporary manoeuvres.

Regional security implications

Russia's development of military infrastructure along its western border is part of a broader pattern that NATO allies have been monitoring for some time. Particularly notable is that the construction activity proceeded actively during the winter months of 2025-2026, indicating the urgency of the construction work.

The investigation emphasises that regional media cooperation is important in monitoring such security issues. The joint project involving media outlets from four countries demonstrates Northern Europe's need to coordinate information sharing in monitoring Russian activity.