HELSINKI: Finland has decided to close four out of its eight eastern border crossings with Russia this weekend, as the government accuses Moscow of deliberately allowing illegal migrants to destabilize Finland.
Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, has witnessed a significant increase in unauthorized crossings since August, predominantly involving individuals from the Middle East and Africa lacking proper visas, according to the country’s border guard.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen informed reporters, “Today, the government has decided to close the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala border crossing points on the land border between Finland and Russia.”
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has accused Russia of intentionally seeking to destabilize Finland, attributing the move to the country’s recent NATO membership earlier this year.
