Finland has decided to continue the closure of its eastern border with Russia because of the threat of "instrumentalized migration", which, according to the authorities, is part of the Kremlin's hybrid surgery. The relevant decision was made by the Government of the country on April 16, as reported by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Finland.
"The government has updated its decision to close the crossing points on the eastern border. They remain closed. Applications for international protection will continue to be centralized at the intersection points of the border of air and water connection," the official statement said.
According to representatives of the ministry, the opening of the land border at the current stage can again cause a wave of organized intersection by its illegal migrants from third countries, which, according to Helsinki, coordinates the Russian side.
The government emphasizes that the threat has remained relevant, and there is no reason to mitigate the border regime. The decision to close the checkpoints shall enter into force on Thursday and will remain in a separate order.
Finland for the first time closed the land border with Russia in November 2023. The reason was a sharp increase in the number of migrants who tried to get to the country from the territory of the Russian Federation. Helsinki considers it planned pressure and part of Moscow's hybrid tactics in response to Finland's political and defensive cooperation with NATO.
