Russia Rapidly Expands Military Buildup on NATO's Eastern Flank, Putin Advisor Says 'Patience Running Out'

(Central News Agency reporter Ku Yung-li, Stockholm, December 12) A joint investigative report by Swedish and multiple Nordic television stations, released on the 10th, revealed that Russia has rapidly increased its military buildup over the past year in areas bordering Norway and Baltic states. The Russian embassy in the Nordic region claims these measures are for defense; however, Putin’s advisor Sergey Karaganov stated that NATO’s expansion threatens global stability and Russia’s patience is running out.

Since Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in 2022, NATO’s eastern frontline has advanced from Norway to Finland, which Russia views as a threat.

According to a report by Swedish Television (SVT), after the two countries joined NATO, Russia began reinforcing its military near the Finnish border. However, this latest investigation found that within just one year, Russia has rapidly expanded its military infrastructure across the 'new frontline' region on NATO’s eastern flank, constructing seven newly built military installations from north to south. The report estimates that Russia has deployed approximately 80,000 troops in this area.

This investigative report, jointly conducted by public broadcasters from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Estonia, used satellite imagery comparisons and interviews with military, political, and intelligence officials to reveal that Russia has been constructing military facilities and deploying military vehicles along its borders with Norway, Finland, the Baltic states, and in Kaliningrad, which borders Poland.

The site closest to NATO’s eastern border is Petsamo, located just 10 kilometers from the Norwegian border.

Thomas Nilsson, head of Sweden’s Military Intelligence and Security Directorate (Must), told Swedish Television that this constitutes a serious threat requiring urgent attention. He believes Russia’s troop buildup is not merely a warning but preparation for potential larger conflicts with NATO.

Swedish Defense Minister Pål Jonson told Swedish Television that Russia’s continued military expansion—despite losing nearly 1,000 troops per day in Ukraine—demonstrates its ambition to build a stronger national defense. He emphasized that NATO must also invest more resources in self-defense.

He added that all political parties in the Swedish parliament support the recent defense budget, enabling Sweden to make faster and larger defense investments than other NATO countries.

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen told Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) that Russia has already been provoking NATO countries through digital attacks and hybrid warfare. He stated Denmark is prepared for potential Russian attacks on the Baltic region and said, 'I am concerned, but I am not afraid.'

Nikolaj Kortsjunov, Russia’s ambassador to Norway, told Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK) that Russia has no intention or geopolitical, economic, or military interest in attacking Norway, nor does it seek armed or hybrid attacks against NATO or European nations. He described these actions as forced defensive countermeasures.

Vladimir Barbin, Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, stated that claims of an imminent Russian attack on NATO are fabricated to confuse and intimidate European citizens, thereby justifying NATO and EU countries’ preparations for war against Russia.

However, when Danish Broadcasting Corporation interviewed Putin’s advisor Sergey Karaganov, a different answer emerged. He said NATO should be 'thrown into the dustbin of history,' comparing its expansion to cancer, harmful to the world. 'Russia will soon lose patience,' he warned, 'and then it will expand its actions.'

Currently, NATO has deployed the Finland Forward Land Force and Latvia Forward Land Force along its eastern frontline. The Finland Forward Land Force, led by Sweden and composed of multinational NATO forces, was officially established on the 6th. (Edited by Wei Shu) 1150612