Finland closed its border with Russia

Finland has closed all checkpoints on the border with Russia until December 13. The Finnish government announced the closure of the border on November 28, explaining the need for such measures by the abnormal influx of asylum seekers and illegal migrants arriving from Russia.

“Russia caused this situation, and it can also put an end to it,” Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orlo said on this occasion. He also noted that in November alone, more than 600 asylum seekers arrived in Finland across the border with Russia.

On November 18, the Finnish authorities closed the four largest border crossings on the border with Russia - Vaalimaa (on the Russian side - Torfyanovka), Nuyamaa (Brusnichnoe), Imatra (Svetogorsk) and Niirala (Värtsilä).

was also temporarily closed On November 19, the fifth border crossing, Vartius, . On November 22, Finnish authorities announced that only one checkpoint on the border with Russia will continue to operate - Raia-Jooseppi. It is the northernmost and most inaccessible, and borders the Murmansk region of Russia.

In this regard, the authorities of the Russian region have introduced a high alert regime, expecting an increase in the flow of migrants trying to get from Russia to Finland. And in the Karelian city of Kostomuksha, were organized . temporary accommodation centers for migrants

The Kremlin called Finland’s actions a manifestation of a “Russophobic position.” “It’s unlikely that we are somehow able to influence [the situation], because there is no dialogue and [this happened] through no fault of ours. We were not the initiators of curtailing the dialogue. This causes nothing but deep regret. We have had long-standing and very good relations with Finland,” said press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov.

In turn, the Estonian authorities have announced their readiness to also close the border with Russia if the flow of illegal migrants and asylum seekers increases. “Entry into the European Union through Estonia is possible only for those who have all the legal grounds to do so. We are closely monitoring the situation and, if necessary, are ready to prevent any illegal migration. Depending on the situation at the border, this may mean partial or complete closure of checkpoints,” said Veiko Kommusaar, head of the Estonian Border Guard.

To receive the main news faster, subscribe to our telegram and Twitter .