Facing an influx of Middle Eastern and African immigrants directed by Russia in recent weeks, the Finnish government announced the closure of four border crossing points with Russia. The government stated that this is in response to changes in operations by Russian border authorities, leading to dozens of undocumented immigrants arriving in Finland and seeking asylum.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Interior Minister Mari Rantanen stated that this decision would take effect at midnight on Nov 17th, involving the four land border crossing points between Finland and Russia: Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa.
Prime Minister Orpo indicated that this move is a response to changes in operations by Russian border authorities, and these four crossing points will remain closed until February 18. He mentioned that dozens of immigrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, recently arrived in Finland without proper documentation, claiming to have traveled to the strictly controlled border area with the assistance of Russian authorities.
This change marks a significant shift in how Finnish and Russian border authorities have cooperated for decades to prevent individuals without visas or passports from entering both countries.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, criticized Russia for exploiting the immigration issue and expressed full support for the measures taken by Finland. She thanked the Finnish Border Guard for "protecting our European borders."
It's worth noting that Finland recently reached a new defense agreement with the United States, allowing the deployment of troops at specified locations in Finland. This move is considered a further step after Finland's NATO membership, triggering Russia's displeasure.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Interior Minister Mari Rantanen stated that this decision would take effect at midnight on Nov 17th, involving the four land border crossing points between Finland and Russia: Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa.
Prime Minister Orpo indicated that this move is a response to changes in operations by Russian border authorities, and these four crossing points will remain closed until February 18. He mentioned that dozens of immigrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, recently arrived in Finland without proper documentation, claiming to have traveled to the strictly controlled border area with the assistance of Russian authorities.
This change marks a significant shift in how Finnish and Russian border authorities have cooperated for decades to prevent individuals without visas or passports from entering both countries.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, criticized Russia for exploiting the immigration issue and expressed full support for the measures taken by Finland. She thanked the Finnish Border Guard for "protecting our European borders."
It's worth noting that Finland recently reached a new defense agreement with the United States, allowing the deployment of troops at specified locations in Finland. This move is considered a further step after Finland's NATO membership, triggering Russia's displeasure.
Lowanemi Forest Bonfire Picnic, Finland
In addition, neighboring Norway stated that a similar increase in traffic at the Russian border has not been recorded, while Estonia witnessed an incident in the border city of Narva where Somali immigrants attempted to enter without documents. Finnish border law allows the government to close border crossing points in response to a severe threat to national security or public health.
This decision may last for some time and involve restrictions based on nationality. However, these measures will not hinder foreigners from entering Finland to seek asylum. With tensions rising, the Finnish government is taking stricter measures to ensure the country's security and stability.
