Finland to close all border crossings with Russia for two weeks
The Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that Finland will completely close all land border crossings with Russia starting on November 30, reports Finnish news outlet Helsingin Sanomat. Raja-Jooseppi, the only crossing between Russia and Finland that remained in operation, will be closed.
The closure will be in effect until December 13 and does not apply to the Vainikkala railway crossing for freight traffic.
The Finnish authorities said this decision was in response to the increased flow of asylum seekers from Africa and the Middle East trying to enter Finland through the Russian border.
“This decision protects Finland’s national security against a Russia hybrid operation,” said the Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.
More on the Finland-Russia border saga
- Governor of Russian border region declares state of emergency in anticipation of migrant crisis as Finland announces closure of all but one crossing
- Finland to close all but one of its border crossings with Russia
- Finnish chancellor of justice’s office rejects proposal to further tighten restrictions at Russian border
- Finland to close border crossings with Russia
- Finland bans entry to people crossing border from Russia by bicycle