Finland leaves only one border post open
Finland accuses its neighbor Russia of smuggling masses of undocumented migrants across the border. In response, the NATO country initially closes half of its border crossings. As the measures have little effect, Helsinki takes further action.
Finland wants to keep only one of its border crossings with Russia open. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in Helsinki that only the Raja-Jooseppi border crossing in the north-east of the country would remain open. According to the information provided, the three remaining border crossings will be closed from Friday until December 23rd.
The Finnish government accuses Moscow of smuggling undocumented migrants across the border in order to destabilize Finland, which has been a member of NATO since April. In recent months, the Finnish authorities have registered an increase in the number of migrants from the Middle East and Africa - particularly from Iraq, Yemen and Somalia.
Last week, Finland closed half of its eight border crossings with Russia. "Unfortunately, these measures have not been able to stop the phenomenon," Orpo said. The Finnish government stated that it was "clear that foreign authorities and other actors have played a role in facilitating the entry of people across the border into Finland". "International crime" was also involved. The Finnish Ministry of the Interior spoke of "a serious threat to national security and public order".
According to the border guard, around 700 asylum seekers have entered Finland without a visa via the eastern border since the beginning of August. Moscow has rejected accusations that it is smuggling undocumented migrants across the border in order to destabilize Finland.
Russia and Finland share a 1340-kilometer land border. Relations between the countries have deteriorated significantly since the start of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022. In April, Finland joined NATO after decades of neutrality in the alliance. Moscow condemned joining the military alliance as an "attack on Russia's security".
Until now, Finland's borders have mainly been secured with light wooden fences, which are primarily intended to keep livestock in the country. However, the country of 5.5 million inhabitants is currently building a 200-kilometer-long fence along part of the Finnish-Russian border. It is due to be completed in 2026.
- Despite Russia's denial of smuggling undocumented migrants to destabilize Finland, the Finnish government believes that foreign authorities and other actors have aided in facilitating border crossings, posing a serious threat to national security and public order.
- Finland's decision to leave only one border post open with Russia comes amidst allegations of Moscow's involvement in smuggling migrants, a move aimed at undermining Finland's stability as a NATO member.
- The escalating tension between Finland and Russia, stemming from the latter's attack on Ukraine and Finland's subsequent membership in NATO, has resulted in the need to strengthen Finland's border security measures, including the construction of a 200-kilometer-long fence.
Source: www.ntv.de
