Finland is closing all its border crossings with Russia for two weeks to prevent an unusual and large influx of refugees from the country. According to Reuters, Finland and its allies hold Russia responsible for organizing and sending refugees towards the borders of this northern European country. Last week, Finland closed all its border stations except for one located at the northernmost point of the border in the Arctic. However, on Tuesday, December 7, the Finnish government announced that it would soon close the only remaining border crossing with Russia. According to the Finnish Border Guard, while the number of incoming refugees had previously been limited to less than one per day, it surged to nine hundred in November 2023, including citizens from Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen. The closure of all eight border stations with Russia means that border traffic will be limited to freight trains. Finland has accused Russia of sending refugees to its borders as retaliation for Helsinki's decision to increase defense cooperation with the United States. Russia has denied these accusations. Finland's decision earlier this year to abandon decades of military non-alignment and join NATO has angered Russia, following the military invasion of Ukraine. Finnish Prime Minister Petri Orpo stated at a press conference, 'This is a Russian infiltration operation, and we do not accept it.' He cited intelligence sources indicating that Russian officials have assisted refugees, and despite the closure of Finnish border crossings, more refugees from Russia have been heading to Finland. On December 6, three refugees were reported to have entered Finland, and on December 7, no entries from the Russian border were reported. According to the Finnish government, the last border station, Raya-Yosepi, which remains open after Wednesday, December 8, will be closed for two weeks until December 22. An anti-discrimination agency in Finland expressed concern that keeping the remote border crossing Raya-Yosepi open jeopardizes the right to asylum. The Finnish government has stated that incoming travelers from maritime and air borders can still apply for asylum.
Finland Closes Border Crossings to Prevent Influx of Refugees from Russia
Finland has closed all border crossings with Russia for two weeks to prevent a significant influx of refugees, which has surged recently. The Finnish government accuses Russia of orchestrating this refugee movement as retaliation for Finland's NATO membership. This situation highlights ongoing tensions between Finland and Russia amid the Ukraine conflict.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Finland has closed all its border crossings with Russia for two weeks to manage a surge in refugees, which the Finnish government attributes to Russian actions. This decision follows accusations that Russia is using refugees as a political tool in response to Finland's NATO membership.
- The number of refugees entering Finland from Russia surged from less than one per day to 900 in November 2023.
- Finland accuses Russia of facilitating this refugee movement as retaliation for its increased defense cooperation with the U.S.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Finland's decision to close its borders is part of a broader response to security threats posed by Russia, particularly following Finland's NATO membership. The situation reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions in Europe.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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