Russia strengthening northwestern air defenses after Finland joins NATO

The commander of the air defense and anti-aircraft defense forces, deputy chief of the Russian aerospace forces, Andrii Dyomin, said the Russian military began working out defense issues at the country's northwestern borders after Finland joined NATO.

This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to Dyomin's interview with the Krasnaya Zvezda newspaper run by the defense ministry.

"Finland joined the NATO bloc. Sweden is preparing to join the alliance. In these conditions, our air defense forces are working out the issue of protecting the state border in the north-west of the country in accordance with increased threats," minister said.

Until the moment of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Finland did not support the idea of joining NATO, for many years adhering to a policy of neutrality. But later, together with Sweden, the country submitted an application to join the Alliance.

In January, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced that a new army corps would be created in Karelia, which would include three motorized rifle divisions and two amphibious assault divisions. Also, the Leningrad Military District will be established as part of the Russian armed forces.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Finland formally joined NATO on April 4.

This is an illustrative photo