Finland Extends Closure of Land Borders with Russia Indefinitely

The Finnish government announced on Thursday, April 5, that it will extend the closure of its land border crossings with Russia indefinitely. According to Reuters, Finland is also set to add several of its ports to a list from which travel to Russia is prohibited. Mari Rantanen, Finland's Minister of the Interior, stated, "Finnish officials consider this a long-term situation. We have not observed anything this spring that leads us to conclude that the situation has changed significantly." The Finnish government had previously stated in February that the border closures would continue until April 14, nine days from now. Finland has accused Russia of sending refugees to its borders, claiming that Moscow is doing this in retaliation for Helsinki's decision to join NATO and increase military cooperation with the United States. Russia has denied these allegations. Despite the border closures between the two countries, a small number of refugees from Russia continue to enter Finland, and Helsinki believes that with the arrival of spring and rising temperatures, this number could significantly increase. Mari Rantanen mentioned, "Hundreds, and possibly thousands, are near the Finnish border who could be deployed against Finland." Finland's decision to abandon decades of military non-alignment and join NATO has angered Russia. This move came in response to Russia's military invasion of Ukraine. Russia has stated that it is strengthening its military forces in Europe in response to NATO's expansion. Two French aid workers were killed in Russia's attack on Ukraine; Finland joined NATO's joint operations. Finland: The expansion of Russia's relations with China, Iran, and North Korea poses a serious threat to Europe.