Finland modernizes routs for rapid deployment of NATO troops to Russia

The modernization of Finnish railways and other transport infrastructure on the border with Sweden will make it easier for NATO to move troops, weapons and equipment from Atlantic ports to the borders of Russia.

This was reported by Reuters.

It is reported that the electrification and replacement of equipment on the railroad is taking place, in particular, near the city of Kemijarvi. It is an hour's drive from the Russian border and a seven-hour drive from Russian military bases near Murmansk on the Kola Peninsula.

Finland's railroad is being modernized on the section from the Swedish city of Haparanda and the Finnish station of Laurilo. The railway networks of Norway and Sweden will be connected to the electrified part of the Finnish network. The project is expected to be completed in 2024. Its cost is estimated at 37 million euros.

According to Reuters, 96% of cargo is delivered to Finland by sea. In the event of a conflict between Russia and NATO, the transfer of forces and goods across the Baltic Sea could be threatened. The railroad corridor is expected to solve the problem of Russia's potential blockade of Finnish ports on the Baltic Sea.

As a reminder, Sweden and Finland applied for NATO membership last year, abandoning their policy of military neutrality after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland became a full member of the Alliance. Sweden's membership application must be approved by all NATO members, but Turkey and Hungary have not yet approved it.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 04/07/2023