International security

On a Rocky Island, Russia Seeks Military and Psychological Edge

One of Russia’s biggest helicopters landed on a tiny island between Finland and Estonia this summer and disgorged materials and engineers who quickly threw up a helicopter base for the Russian military.

The construction on Gogland, in the Gulf of Finland, adds a new military launchpad in a region that could be front line in any conflict between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Both sides have built up their forces there in recent years, with tensions at their highest since the end of the Cold War.

Sitting between a NATO country and a Nordic ally, the base doesn’t add much military might. But its construction appears to be in line with Russian President Vladimir Putin’s efforts to keep his neighbors on edge.