NATO sources warn of potential Russian plans for a buffer zone from Arctic to Mediterranean

NATO sources have indicated that Russia may attempt to create a "buffer zone" from the Arctic to the Mediterranean, raising concerns in Finland about potential attacks on NATO's eastern flank. Reports suggest Russia could target Finland and the Baltic states. The Finnish Defense Forces stated there is no immediate military threat to Finland, emphasizing that military rehearsals are standard practice. They did not confirm any specific rehearsals or operational plans related to these reports. The situation reflects ongoing worries about Russian aggression following its invasion of Ukraine. NATO has conducted military exercises in response, and experts warn that Russia may seek to exploit vulnerabilities in the Baltic Sea region.