By Essi Lehto

HELSINKI, (Reuters) – Finland is increasing its military readiness in the face of rising international tensions over Russia’s military buildup close to Ukraine.

Finland is not part of NATO. It has an extensive border with Russia and a complicated history.

“Readiness (of Finland’s Defence Forces has increased due to the fact the situation has become more unstable in surrounding areas,” stated Colonel Petteri Kjanmaa of the Finnish National Defence University warfare department, speaking to the Baltic Sea area.

Kajanmaa spoke on behalf of the Armed Forces, stating that instability in the Baltic Sea Region was due to the unpredictable nature of Russia.

He said, “They (the Russians), have clearly stated their goals but we don’t know what actions they will take.”

Russia has deployed thousands of troops to Ukraine’s border, though it denied any intention of attacking its neighbour. NATO has deployed approximately 4,000 troops to multinational battalions in Poland, the Baltics, and Poland. They are considering increasing this number.

Kajanmaa did not specify the actions Finland would take, but stated that increasing readiness often meant gathering more intelligence and briefing state leaders more frequently. It also means moving resources like planes or ships to new places.

Kajanmaa stated that this allows them to monitor faster and has a quicker reaction time.

He stated that Finnish Defence Forces made their presence known, by declaring where they are training.

The Finnish Armed Forces on Monday declared that large drills will be conducted in Helsinki, and around the capital region this week, and next.

Kajanmaa explained that although Finland is not under military threat, it’s important to have the right preparations for any eventuality.

He stated that the more military actions there are, even though it is just innocuous movement, the greater the chance that someone reacts too quickly or misunderstands. We need to be prepared for everything.

According to the Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, there has been an increase in intelligence activity from abroad that targets Finland.

“Finland’s relations with NATO are a topic of increasing interest,” Teemu Turunen, Deputy Director told Reuters. He added that the topic was particularly interesting for Russian intelligence.

Finland is a NATO member, but it is not a NATO member. It is also not negotiating to be a part of any Western military alliance. This position was outlined two weeks ago by Pekka Haavisto (Reuters) to Reuters. Last week, Sanna Marina, Finnish Prime Minister reiterated this message.