Media: Russia builds new military garrison near Finnish border PHOTO

Russia is actively constructing a new military garrison in the settlement of Novaya Vilga near Petrozavodsk, close to the Finnish border, Finnish broadcaster Yle reported.

Around ten large barracks are already under construction at the site. In total, more than 50 facilities are planned, according to Russian authorities.

Military analyst Marko Eklund estimated that, once completed, the garrison will be capable of accommodating between 4,000 and 6,000 personnel.

The new military complex is being built several kilometres from Petrozavodsk. Yle was the first Western outlet to report on the construction plans in January, although the exact location of the base had not been known at the time.

The project is linked to a broader reorganisation of Russia’s armed forces in the northwestern direction. In 2024, Russia re-established the Leningrad Military District, and a new 44th Army Corps was formed in Karelia. Its headquarters and equipment depots are located in Petrozavodsk.

In addition, several military units near the Finnish border have been expanded from brigades into divisions, a move that could potentially increase troop numbers severalfold.

By Tamilla Hasanova