Finland Maintains Closure of Border with Russia

Helsinki, Finland — Finland will continue to keep all checkpoints on its eastern land border with Russia closed until further notice, as announced by the Interior Ministry in a press release on Wednesday. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns surrounding security and migration pressures related to Russia.

The Finnish government implemented a gradual closure of the eastern border, which began in late 2023. By December of that year, every checkpoint along the frontier was shut down. The closures were initiated due to suspicions that Russia was intentionally directing migrants toward Finnish borders to exert pressure on Finnish authorities.

“Based on information available to the Finnish authorities, the risk that instrumentalised migration will resume and expand, as seen previously, remains likely,” the Interior Ministry stated. “If this phenomenon were to continue, it would pose a serious threat to Finland’s national security and public order.”

In response to these concerns, the Finnish Parliament recently began reviewing a proposal aimed at extending the border security act. This proposal would include the continuation of a so-called “pushback” law. Under this legislation, Border Guard officers will have the authority to bar entry to potential asylum-seekers who are found to be sent to the border as part of Russia’s hybrid pressure tactics.

The decision to keep the border closed reflects Finland's commitment to maintaining national security during a time of heightened tension in the region.

As Finland addresses these migration and security issues, the situation remains fluid, with potential implications for both the country and its neighboring regions.

This story is part of the Barents Observer's ongoing coverage of Arctic affairs, illustrating the complexities of border management and international relations in a time of uncertainty.

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