Finland to Close All but One Border Crossing with Russia. Here’s Why
Finland has made the decision to close all but one border crossing with Russia in an effort to address the increasing number of asylum seekers entering the country without a visa. Over the past few months, around 700 migrants have crossed Finland’s 1,300-kilometer (800-mile) border with Russia, prompting the closure of several border posts.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced the closure of more border crossings during a press conference, stating that only the Raja-Jooseppi station would remain open. This move comes after Finland shut down half of its eight crossings to Russia last week, which proved unsuccessful in curbing the influx of migrants.
According to the Finnish government, it is evident that foreign authorities and other actors have played a role in facilitating the entry of individuals across the border into Finland. They also suspect that international crime organizations are involved in this situation. In a statement, the government declared that the situation also involves international crime.
Finland’s border guard had previously raised concerns about Russia’s policy shift in October, as it began allowing migrants without proper documentation to cross the border. Prime Minister Orpo condemned this as a systematic and organized action by the Russian authorities.
The closure of the border crossings will take effect from Friday and will initially be in place until December 23. Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova denied allegations that Russia is deliberately pushing migrants towards the Finnish border, characterizing Finland’s response as clumsy excuses and Russophobic sentiments.
Orpo has expressed that the instrumentalization of migration is an attempt to influence Finland’s internal situation and border security, as well as that of the European Union. Finland’s interior ministry has also stated that the influx of migrants from Russia poses a serious threat to national security and public order, which they do not accept.
Although current legislation allows for the complete closure of the entire border, Orpo has clarified that the necessary conditions for such action have not been met so far.
Following Poland’s experience with migrants crossing its eastern border with Belarus, Polish President Andrzej Duda has expressed support for Finland, labeling Russia’s actions as a hybrid attack. Duda has offered political support and the sharing of experiences with Finland, referencing the Belarus-Poland situation.
Finland’s relationship with Russia has deteriorated since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading Finland to join the US-led NATO alliance in April. In anticipation of potential political pressure through the use of migrants, Finland has modified its laws to expedite the construction of a robust barrier along its eastern border. Construction for a planned 200-kilometer fence began in February, but only three kilometers have been completed thus far.
To address the current situation, the Finnish defense forces have been enlisted to assist in constructing temporary barriers around some of the border crossing points. The ultimate goal is to secure the border with a three-meter-tall fence equipped with barbed wire, night vision cameras, lights, and loudspeakers in sensitive areas.
As Finland takes decisive action to address the influx of migrants from Russia, it navigates the delicate balance between national security, regional relationships, and the humanitarian needs of asylum seekers.
(Note: The headline and body text have been rephrased to meet the given criteria while preserving the original ideas and information of the article.)
