The exercises are a part of regular inter-agency cooperation

The Finnish Defence Forces and local agencies will exercise together in Northern Karelia from 26 February to 5 March. The exercises are part of the Defence Forces and the region’s agencies joint local defence exercises, which take place every two years. The exercises are not connected to the war in Ukraine, but they are a part of regular cooperation between agencies. Finland’s leadership has stated that Finland is not facing a military threat now.

The exercises will take place in Northern Karelia between 26 February to 5 March around Joensuu, Liperi, Juuka, Tohmajärvi and Kitee. There will also be exercises in other parts of Finland.

More soldiers and military vehicles than normal will be visible on Joensuu’s streets until Friday 4 March. Approximately 340 people from the Defence Forces and 40 vehicles will participate in the exercises. Individual exercises may involve the use of blank ammunition that does not pose a threat to bystanders but will cause some noise. The exercises will involve flight operations on Wednesday 2 March.

During the exercises, the on-call number 0299 451 964 will be available for residents to contact.