The war between Russia and Ukraine has been going on for almost three years, in which Russia is continuously attacking Ukraine with dangerous missiles and drones. Meanwhile, Finland and its neighboring countries remain under threat of possible attacks from Russia. The Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, quoting government defense reports and NATO sources, has reported that Russia is planning to attack Finland and other Baltic countries. However, there is no clear mention of the timeline for these attacks.
Referring to Russia’s previous military exercises, the report said that in 2017, Russia conducted the Zapad military exercise, in which attacks on Norway, Finland and the Baltic countries were practiced. The Finnish newspaper report also said that after the Ukraine war ends, Russia may make Western countries its next target.
According to NATO sources, Russia may be planning a simultaneous attack on NATO’s eastern member states, in which Russia’s 14th Army Corps may be involved. In addition, Russia may also deploy troops to capture Ivalo airport in Lapland.
Russia’s future strategy also includes plans to create a buffer zone between northern Finland and Norway. Russian missile forces could target Finland’s coastlines, while Moscow’s Sixth Army could try to strike the capitals of Baltic countries, such as Estonia and Latvia, the report said.
Russia’s security strategy aims to create a buffer zone from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, including encircling the Baltic and Black Seas. According to the report, Russia’s long-term goal may be to establish control over the Baltic Sea. However, the Finnish Defense Forces have stated that the military exercises are part of normal operations and should not be seen as a potential attack.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has made clear his intention to reclaim its historical territories, citing the 17th-century Russian Empire as a model in his vision.
