Finland announced the opening of the headquarters of the NATO ground forces on the border with the Russian Federation

The headquarters of the NATO Ground Forces (MCLCC) has officially opened in the Finnish city of Mikkeli, located near the border with Russia. This was announced on October 3 on the official website of the Finnish Ministry of Defense.

"This is a historic day for Finland, NATO and Mikkeli. In the autumn of 2023, we intend to establish a NATO headquarters in Finland in order to maximize security," said Minister of Defense Antti Hyakkanen.

According to him, the opening of the headquarters subordinate to NATO was the result of joint efforts and approval by the defense ministers of the alliance countries in June 2024. He also believes that this will "strengthen the defense of the northern region of NATO and the security of Finland."

In peacetime, the headquarters will consist of 50 military personnel from NATO countries and Finland. It was led by Norwegian officer Uwe Staurset and Finnish Lieutenant General Pasi Vyalimaki, she added.Газета.Ru ".

Coastal attitude: NATO creates new threats to Russia in the Black Sea

Why is the alliance pulling new forces into the region and what role do Romania and Bulgaria play in this?

On October 2, The National Interest (NI) magazine reported that special forces units from the United States and Finland conducted joint exercises aimed at preparing for a possible conflict with Russia. It is specified that more than 1.6 thousand military personnel from nine NATO member countries took part in them.

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