Finland will close its entire border with Russia for the next two weeks to curb a significant surge in asylum seekers. Initially, the government had closed all but one border post, situated in the Arctic; however, this lone crossing will now also be temporarily shut down. Approximately 900 asylum seekers, originating from countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, entered Finland from Russia in November, prompting this decisive measure.
The closure of all eight border crossings restricts passage to cargo trains exclusively, according to Finland’s Border Guard. The government accuses Moscow of orchestrating this surge in response to Finland’s increased defense cooperation with the United States, a claim the Kremlin denies.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo labeled it as Russia’s influence operation, expressing strong disapproval. Despite Finnish border closures, intelligence suggests more individuals are heading towards Finland from Russia. The last open border post, Raja-Jooseppi, will remain operational until Wednesday before closing until December 13. Finland reassures that asylum can still be sought by travelers arriving by boat and air.
