The Russian far-right paramilitary group Rusich, known for its neo-Nazi beliefs, claims it has made an agreement with Russia’s FSB Border Service.
The group says it is now helping with intelligence work and strengthening the border with Finland.
Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat reported increased activity from both the FSB and Rusich in the Saimaa Canal area, close to the Finnish border.
Rusich posted on Telegram that they are working to "reinforce the Finnish border" through reconnaissance and fortification efforts.
The group has shared photos of its operations near the Rättijärvi lock, just a few kilometers from Finland. The Saimaa Canal, which connects Finland’s Lappeenranta to the Baltic Sea, is currently closed due to sanctions on Russian Railways.
Rusich has a history of involvement in Russia’s war in Ukraine and is accused of war crimes. One of its leaders, Yan Petrovsky, is currently detained in Finland for immigration violations, and Finnish prosecutors are considering charging him with war crimes.
This comes as Finland builds a fence along its border with Russia, and Rusich’s actions may be seen as a response to these efforts.
