Finland increases combat readiness due to possible Russian invasion

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the Financial Times.

Lt. Gen. Mikko Heiskanen, deputy chief of staff for arms and logistics of the Finnish Armed Forces, said that Finland has recently checked more than 1,000 agreements concluded with private companies to produce equipment or provide services for the war.

"We must be prepared for a long-term crisis... We have activated some of them, checked all the agreements, checked the procurement of not only ammunition but also other materials. We are checking the plans and readiness of our strategic partners," he said.

He noted that the stocks of basic fuels and grain will last for at least six months, and air storage facilities will be enough for the entire population of the country. Almost one-third of the adult population are reservists, giving the country of only 5.6 million people one of the largest armies in Europe and the largest number of artillery pieces.

"It's in our DNA. Russia respects strength. Strength consists of both will and capabilities. We have the will. The will of the people to defend the country is probably the highest in the world. The potential - the material base - is at a credible level. It takes years to create such a potential. You cannot do it in a year or two," Heiskanen added.

He did not go into details, but as an example, he said that a textile company can be ordered to produce bulletproof vests or other items to protect troops in combat in the shortest possible time.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 06/05/2024