The Finnish Defense Forces have reportedly entered into secret agreements with landowners along the Russian border, allowing for the construction of fortifications on these territories within a day. This revelation comes from the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
According to the newspaper, dozens of landowners have signed similar agreements in the past year and a half, with the first one being concluded about six years ago. The interest of these landowners in enhancing the combat readiness of the Defense Forces has increased following Russia’s military operation in Ukraine in late February 2022.
The chief of the Defense Forces’ readiness department, Lieutenant Colonel Sauli Hongisto, stated that public sentiment towards this development has become more positive than before. These land-use agreements allow the Finnish army to build fortifications and conduct training on the land under normal conditions, that is, before the declaration of a state of war. If a landowner permits construction on their property, they sign a land-use agreement with the Armed Forces, and a one-time payment of €750 is also made to them. The agreement grants the Defense Forces the right to construct defensive equipment on the designated land.
Earlier, Finland and Norway strengthened control at the border for vehicles coming from Russia. The Finnish president had previously predicted difficulties at the border with Russia.
