Finland Shutters Four Border Crossings with Russia

Finland has closed several of its border crossings with Russia in order to stop a recent increase in asylum seekers that it claims was instigated by Moscow. The Finnish government has accused Russia of intentionally directing migrants to these specific crossings in response to Finland joining NATO. Russian officials have condemned Finland's actions, stating that it is a mistake that will harm bilateral relations. The four border posts affected by the closure are Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala, all located in the southeast of Finland. These areas have seen a significant influx of illegal crossings by individuals from countries such as Syria, Yemen, and Iraq. Finland's prime minister, Petteri Orpo, has accused Russia of facilitating the movement of undocumented people to the border. While the closure of these specific crossings has been confirmed, the border posts in Salla and Vartius in Finland's northern region will remain open for asylum applications. The Finnish authorities assert that the migrants enter Russia legally and subsequently travel to the border to seek asylum in Finland, an EU member state. In 2021, Belarus facilitated the passage of third-country citizens into EU member states Poland and Lithuania, resulting in tensions between Belarus and the EU. Finland shares the longest border with Russia in Europe, measuring 1,340 kilometers (833 miles) in length.