Finland to close border crossings with Russia

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirms at today's briefing that checkpoints will be closed on the eastern border of Finland. There are four checkpoints: Imatra, Niirala, Nuijamaa, and Vaalimaa.

The PM emphasizes that the checkpoints will be closed at night from November 17 to 18. Finland discussed the solution with its neighbors and the European Union.

Finland's Interior Minister Marie Rantanen says the decision was prompted by the large number of refugees seeking asylum. According to her, the border zone remains a peaceful territory, and the situation on the border will be monitored. Further changes in the operation of the checkpoint will be adopted after analyzing the situation.

What preceded it

Yesterday, the Finnish media reported that the Finnish government plans to close the border with Russia. However, the media did not specify the period for which the checkpoints are going to be closed and whether the restrictions will apply along the entire eastern border.

Finland has recently started to block entry from the territory of the Russian Federation due to the influx of illegal migrants. Thus, the border guard of Finland banned the entry of people who ride bicycles through checkpoints on the border with the Russian Federation.

The Finnish government will prepare a proposal to limit or close border crossings on the border with the Russian Federation.