Finland Closes All but One Russia Border Crossing

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Facts

  • Finland has temporarily closed seven of its eight passenger border crossings with Russia, accusing Moscow of intentionally pushing asylum seekers to the Nordic country.1
  • More than 700 migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia have reportedly entered Finland via Russia in November, compared with just a few dozen in September and October.2
  • Alleging that Moscow is funneling asylum seekers to the border in retaliation for its decision to join NATO — a claim Russia denies — Helsinki closed four border crossings last week and three more Friday, leaving only the Raja-Jooseppi checkpoint open.3
  • According to Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, the borders have been closed to stop the inflow of 'citizens from third countries' to Finland's eastern border, adding the current situation 'poses a threat to national security.'4
  • Meanwhile, the Kremlin has warned that 'the Finnish authorities have taken the path of destroying bilateral relations' by following a path of hostility with Russia.5
  • Though Finland is stepping up patrolling along its 830-mile frontier with Russia, it's expected to get border guard officers and patrol cars from the EU's border agency to strengthen control activities as soon as next week.2

Sources: 1Reuters (a), 2Associated Press, 3FT, 4TASS and 5Reuters (b).

Narratives

  • Anti-Russia narrative, as provided by France 24. The Kremlin is weaponizing migration as part of a systematic and organized action to punish Finland for joining NATO. Helsinki has no choice but to combat Moscow's aggression and defend itself from all forms of Russian threats.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by RT. By leveling baseless accusations against Russia and erecting concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire in the name of fortifying its border defenses, Finland is infringing on the rights and interests of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, including its own citizens who are separated from their families in Russia.