Finland has formally notified the United Nations of its withdrawal from the Ottawa Convention, joining other European allies who are responding to Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine. This decision, which follows a similar move by Poland and Baltic states, highlights growing concerns in Eastern Europe due to the heightened threat of Russian invasion. The Ottawa Convention, banning the use of antipersonnel land mines, is being reconsidered by several nations as leaders feel adversaries are not constrained by the treaty. This withdrawal, along with those of other nations, will be monitored by the international community as the war in Ukraine continues.
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The Finnish Parliament overwhelmingly approved (157-18) the withdrawal from the Ottawa Treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, enabling Finland to resume their use. Opposition came primarily from the Left Alliance (10 MPs), Greens (7 MPs), and one member of the ruling coalition. This decision follows similar actions by Baltic states and reflects Finland’s reassessment of its defense capabilities in a changing security environment. The next steps involve presidential confirmation and notification to the UN.
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Satellite imagery reveals Russia is significantly expanding its military presence near the Finnish border. Construction of a new garrison in Kandalaksha, housing an artillery and engineer brigade, represents a permanent troop increase, unlike previous temporary deployments. Simultaneous upgrades to other sites, including Sapyornoye and Petrozavodsk, showcase broader military reinforcement in the region. This build-up, estimated to add nearly 100,000 troops, is likely linked to Finland’s NATO accession and Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine. Military expert Marko Eklund emphasizes the strategic importance of these actions and their implications for Finland.
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Atlantic Trident 25, a multinational air combat exercise involving over 40 aircraft and 1,000 personnel from four nations, is being held in Finland for the first time from June 16th to 27th, 2025. The exercise, led by USAFE-AFAFRICA, focuses on integrating fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft in complex combat scenarios and enhancing allied interoperability. Finland’s participation, following its NATO accession, is significant, showcasing strengthened regional deterrence near its border with Russia. This exercise reflects a major strategic shift in Europe, with Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership bolstering the alliance’s capabilities in the High North and Baltic regions.
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Responding to Russia’s escalating military buildup near its border with NATO member Finland, the UK is deploying military liaison officers to support Finland’s development of NATO’s Forward Land Forces. This action follows reports of Russia stationing an additional 50,000 troops near the Finnish border, along with the construction of new military infrastructure. The UK’s deployment reflects growing concerns about potential Russian provocation and underscores its commitment to bolstering NATO’s deterrence posture on its eastern flank. This move is part of a broader UK strategy to increase its military lethality and technological capabilities within NATO.
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Finland’s government proposed a new criminal code provision to penalize Holocaust denial and the public denial of other internationally recognized crimes, punishable by fines or up to two years imprisonment. This aligns Finland with the EU’s 2008 framework decision on combating racism and xenophobia. The proposed law aims to bolster protections against antisemitism and hate speech, fulfilling Finland’s international legal obligations. Parliamentary review is expected throughout the summer, with potential enactment by year’s end. This legislation would bring Finland in line with several other European nations.
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Satellite imagery reveals a significant buildup of Russian military forces near Finland’s eastern border, including expanded bases at Kamenka, Petrozavodsk, Severomorsk-2, and Olenya. This activity, observed since February 2025, involves new troop accommodations, aircraft deployment, and infrastructure construction, suggesting a reinforcement of Russia’s military presence following Finland and Sweden’s NATO accession. Analysts interpret this as a delayed response to NATO expansion, potentially concealing the true scale of military hardware and personnel. These developments are being closely monitored by Finnish and Swedish defense officials.
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Satellite imagery and Western officials reveal Russia is rapidly expanding its military near its borders with Finland and other NATO countries, exceeding the expectations of many analysts. This buildup, including the creation of new divisions and infrastructure, is part of a broader plan to increase its army’s size to 1.5 million troops. Experts warn this signals potential preparations for future conflict with NATO, with some suggesting a limited operation against a Baltic state could occur within two to three years after the Ukraine war concludes. Russia’s increased defense spending has fueled a surge in military production, particularly of tanks and artillery.
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A University of Helsinki-led poll reveals sharply decreased Finnish trust in US military support for Europe, with only 16 percent believing the US would defend European countries, down significantly from 30 percent before Trump’s re-election. This diminished confidence extends to the US-Finland defense cooperation agreement, despite a continued belief in support from other NATO members. While Finns overwhelmingly oppose Russia retaining Ukrainian territory in any peace deal, support for NATO membership itself has also decreased, although it remains above the NATO average. This shift reflects a growing disillusionment with US reliability and a subtle fracturing of consensus regarding NATO.
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Russia’s military buildup along the Finland border, including new infrastructure for increased troop deployment, is viewed by Finnish officials as a deliberate test of NATO’s Article 5 collective defense clause. This action follows Finland’s NATO accession and is accompanied by continued Russian hybrid warfare tactics, such as manipulating migration flows. The increased Russian military presence necessitates Finland’s own military reorganization, expanding its divisions and incorporating NATO command structures. Russia’s actions, though dismissed by Putin as “nonsense,” are causing significant concern among Finland and its allies, prompting increased defense preparedness across Europe.
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John Q. Hosedrinker