Finland Closes Border with Russia Indefinitely

The Finnish government has indefinitely extended the closure of its border with Russia. This was announced in a press release from the Finnish cabinet.

"The border crossing points between Finland and Russia will not be reopened from April 15, 2024. ... The decision is in effect indefinitely, but no longer than necessary," the statement read.

Additionally, the maritime crossing points at Haparanda, Santi, and Nuijamaa will be closed to tourist vessel traffic. Applications for international protection will be available at airports and maritime crossing points that remain open.

“No facts emerged in the spring based on which we could conclude that the situation at the border has changed significantly,” said Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, according to Yle.

Finland closed its land border with Russia in November 2023, citing an influx of asylum seekers from African and Middle Eastern countries. Finnish authorities have accused Russia of deliberately creating such a situation.

Russian President's spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Finnish authorities are adhering to an "exclusively Russophobic position." In mid-December, Finland reopened two border crossing points - Vaalimaa (known as 'Torfyanovka' on the Russian side) and Niirala ('Vartsila') - but closed them again on the same day, which Helsinki attributed to a new influx of asylum seekers. The decision is supposed to be in effect until April 15.