Finland extends border closure with Russia by one month

The Finnish authorities have decided to keep the border with Russia closed for another month, until February 11, 2024, according to the Finnish Interior Ministry’s website.

The statement says that the “risk that instrumentalized migration will resume at the eastern border poses a serious threat to national security and public order in Finland.”

Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said that the current situation negatively impacts Russians living in Finland and other foreign passport holders. According to the minister, there has been no change on Russia’s part and the threat of “hybrid influence” remains.

“National security remains a critically important issue for Finland,” said the minister.

Finland closed all of its border crossings with Russia on December 14, 2023.