Karelia is an autonomous republic, part of the Russian Federation, located between the White Sea and Finland. The border with Finland stretches for 723 km.
The head of the authorities of the Republic of Karella, Artur Parfenchikov, announced that actions are underway to ensure the return of soldiers performing compulsory service. In cooperation with the border service, the authorities will establish a staff to support border protection. — We are forming folk teams, composed of people who will help border guards, who know the area well and have orientation in the area, said Parfenchikov, quoted by TASS.
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What actions is Karelia taking to protect the border with Finland?
Who is the head of the Karelia region authorities?
What does the federal infrastructure target program include?
How many American soldiers train in Finland?
Parfenchikov noted that much attention is paid to the development of infrastructure in the border regions. — We have a federal targeted program, which, on the order of Russian President Vladimir Putin, was extended until 2030 and covers a number of social infrastructure facilities related to the development of border areas, he said.
According to the head of the republic, under various federal programs, renovation of schools, cinemas, museums and medical facilities is being carried out in the region. — We have just started the construction of a large cultural center in the city of Lakhdienpokhya, in the Hiitola hamlet, a socio-cultural center, a kindergarten, a library, a community center, and a medical clinic. It is located where there is a border post, where people live right next to the border, he added.
American soldiers are training in Finland
As Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen said on Thursday, an American Marine Corps unit consisting of approximately 350 soldiers is currently training in this country.
At the end of 2023, Finland and the USA signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). In August this year, the countries agreed on the construction of military infrastructure used by the American armed forces. Under the agreement, fifteen military areas will be made available to the US military, including airports and ports in various parts of the country, from the Gulf of Finland to Lapland.
Finland joined NATO in April 2023. It started the accession process with Sweden after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
