Russia builds up infrastructure near Europe's border to deploy over 100,000 troops
A joint investigation by Nordic and Baltic media outlets has revealed a significant Russian military build-up near the borders of NATO member states, with new infrastructure designed to accommodate tens of thousands of additional troops after the war in Ukraine. Journalists from Sweden's SVT, Norway's NRK, Denmark's DR, and Estonia's Delfi analyzed satellite imagery showing extensive construction activity at military sites near Finland, Norway, and the Baltic region.
The investigation identified new barracks, ammunition depots, vehicle storage facilities, and expanded military bases at multiple locations. Major developments were observed in Pechenga, just 10 kilometers from the Norwegian border, where the base's capacity is expected to increase from approximately 7,000 to 17,000 troops. Additional construction is underway in Petrozavodsk near Finland, Sapernoye and Kirillovskoye close to the Finnish border, Luga in Pskov Oblast, Baltiysk in Kaliningrad Oblast, and Kandalaksha on the White Sea.
According to Lieutenant General Pasi Välimäki, Commander of the Finnish Army, the expanded infrastructure could eventually support around 80,000 Russian troops near Finland's border, compared with roughly 20,000 before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Overall, the new and upgraded facilities could enable Russia to station as many as 115,000 personnel along its borders with Northern Europe and the Baltic region.
Security officials interviewed as part of the investigation warned that the build-up should not be viewed as symbolic. Thomas Nilsson, head of Sweden's Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST), said the construction appears intended to create real military capabilities for a future large-scale confrontation with NATO rather than merely serving as a political signal. Analysts believe many of these forces could be deployed to the region once the active phase of Russia's war against Ukraine ends.
NATO commanders also expressed concern. Major General Brian Nissen, commander of NATO forces in the Baltic states and Poland, noted that Russia's current commitment in Ukraine limits the immediate threat, but cautioned that the situation could change quickly if fighting in Ukraine decreases. Norway's Chief of Defence, General Eirik Kristoffersen, similarly warned that if Russia expands its forces to the levels indicated by satellite imagery and official plans, the military threat to Norway and the wider region will increase substantially.
The findings add to growing concerns among European governments and intelligence agencies that Russia is preparing for a long-term military confrontation with NATO, even as the war in Ukraine continues.
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed 6 and injured 60 over the past day; Kharkiv was targeted for the 2nd day in a row
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least six civilians and injured 60 others over the past day, with the heaviest casualties reported in Kharkiv, regional authorities said on June 10.
Kharkiv Oblast suffered the largest number of victims. According to Governor Oleh Syniehubov, one person was killed and 15 others were injured, including 10 people in the city of Kharkiv. At around 9:00 a.m. local time, Russian forces launched another attack on the regional center, striking four districts. Two people were injured, while six others suffered acute stress reactions.
The attacks coincided with a large-scale overnight drone assault across Ukraine. Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 207 drones during the night. Air defense units intercepted 181 of them, but at least 21 drones reached their targets, striking 14 locations across the country. Falling drone debris was also recorded at 13 separate sites.
In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks killed three civilians and injured seven others, according to Governor Vadym Filashkin.
In Sumy Oblast, two people were killed and five were injured during Russian strikes, regional authorities reported.
In Kherson Oblast, Russian attacks injured 13 civilians over the past day.
Further south and east, 10 people were injured in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, while another seven people were wounded in neighboring Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The attacks are part of Russia's continued campaign of drone and missile strikes targeting Ukrainian cities and civilian infrastructure, despite ongoing international efforts to revive negotiations aimed at ending the war.
Bulgaria will no longer supply weapons to Ukraine
Bulgaria will halt further weapons deliveries to Ukraine, marking a significant shift in the country's policy following the election victory of the new government led by Rumen Radev.
Speaking at a press conference, Bulgarian Defence Minister Dimitar Stoyanov argued that the war cannot be resolved through military means and called for renewed diplomatic efforts.
"We have already made it clear that the war in Ukraine will not be resolved on the battlefield. We are witnessing a war of attrition, and no matter how much weaponry is amassed, the only result is the loss of human lives. It is time to sit down at the negotiating table."
According to Politico, the decision reinforces the new Bulgarian government's opposition to continued European military assistance for Ukraine. The policy change comes after the April parliamentary elections, in which the coalition led by Radev secured a decisive victory and formed a government with a more Russia-friendly orientation.
Despite the shift, Bulgaria has so far avoided direct confrontation with the European Union over Ukraine policy. While the new government has adopted a more cautious approach toward military support for Kyiv, it has not challenged broader EU positions publicly.
Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Bulgaria has provided 13 military aid packages to Ukraine. The suspension of further weapons deliveries removes one of Kyiv's long-standing sources of military assistance in Southeastern Europe and reflects growing political divisions within Europe over continued support for Ukraine as the war enters its fifth year.
Ukraine has clarified that its defense cooperation with Bulgaria is conducted on a commercial basis and does not involve free military aid, following remarks by Bulgarian Defense Minister Dimitar Stoyanov that Sofia would stop providing military assistance to Kyiv.
Speaking at a briefing in Kyiv, Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi emphasized that cooperation between the two countries is based on mutual economic and security interests rather than donations or aid packages.
According to Tykhyi, Ukraine purchases the defense equipment it needs, while Bulgarian defense manufacturers and the country's military-industrial sector benefit from contracts, investment, and production opportunities. He stressed that the arrangement is advantageous for both sides and expressed confidence that the cooperation will continue despite the Bulgarian government's policy shift on military aid.
"We are grateful to Bulgaria and grateful that such projects are possible. This cooperation is commercial and mutually beneficial, and it allows us to move more quickly towards peace arrangements."
The statement appears intended to distinguish Bulgaria's decision to halt government military assistance from the broader defense-industrial cooperation that has developed between the two countries since Russia's full-scale invasion. While Sofia's new government has announced an end to military aid, existing commercial defense partnerships may remain unaffected.
The clarification also highlights an increasingly important trend in Ukraine's defense procurement strategy: alongside traditional military aid from allies, Kyiv has expanded direct purchases and joint production agreements with foreign defense companies to sustain its military capabilities and strengthen long-term security cooperation.