Finland Shuts Four Crossing Points on Russia Border
Finland has shut down four of its border crossings with Russia in an effort to stem a rise in asylum seekers, which it claims is orchestrated by Moscow. The Finnish government alleges Russia is directing migrants to these crossings in response to Finland's NATO membership bid.
The Kremlin, through spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, criticized the move as detrimental to bilateral ties, stating it was regrettable and a significant error on Finland's part.
He maintained that Russia has never posed a threat to Finland, and their decision could lead to confrontation.
This week, approximately 300 asylum seekers from nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq have been reported at the Finnish border.
Helsinki plans to erect barriers at the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala crossings beginning Friday at midnight, while still allowing asylum applications at the Salla and Vartius checkpoints in the far north.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has openly accused Russia of facilitating the migrants' journey to the border.
Finnish authorities note the migrants legally enter Russia before heading to the Finnish border, where they seek asylum in the EU state.
This scenario echoes a similar crisis in 2021, when migrants reached EU member states Poland and Lithuania via Belarus, a Russian ally.
The EU then accused Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of trying to destabilize the union.
Finland's border with Russia is the longest in Europe, spanning 1,340 km (833 miles).
He maintained that Russia has never posed a threat to Finland, and their decision could lead to confrontation.
This week, approximately 300 asylum seekers from nations such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq have been reported at the Finnish border.
Helsinki plans to erect barriers at the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala crossings beginning Friday at midnight, while still allowing asylum applications at the Salla and Vartius checkpoints in the far north.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has openly accused Russia of facilitating the migrants' journey to the border.
Finnish authorities note the migrants legally enter Russia before heading to the Finnish border, where they seek asylum in the EU state.
This scenario echoes a similar crisis in 2021, when migrants reached EU member states Poland and Lithuania via Belarus, a Russian ally.
The EU then accused Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko of trying to destabilize the union.
Finland's border with Russia is the longest in Europe, spanning 1,340 km (833 miles).
