Finland announced on Thursday it would extend the closure of its border crossings with Russia until April 14, 2024, citing concerns about armed migrants and threats to national security posed by Russia. The decision came after the closure, which was originally scheduled to end on February 11, was extended again.
The decision, approved by the State Council, includes the closure of the Imatra, Kuusamo, Nyilala, Nuijamaa, Radja Jusepi, Sara, Valimaa and Valtius border crossings on the land border between Finland and Russia. Furthermore, centralized applications for international protection are being implemented at air and water transport border crossing points designated by government ordinance.
The latest extension comes as border officials say armed migration could resume once the border reopens. Finland claimed that the irregularities occurred under the influence of a foreign country, believed to be Russia.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said there were no signs that Russia would change its behavior, the security situation remained unchanged and authorities estimated that thousands of migrants were still waiting at the Russian border seeking asylum in Finland. He said there was.
The prolonged closure prompted a Russian reaction. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova criticized Finland’s “politicized attitude” towards the border and disregard for bilateral consultations between border forces. Zakharova accused Helsinki of “resolutely refusing” to respond to allegations of Russian threats and avoiding direct contact between authorities that could resolve the “unhealthy situation”. She warned that the closure would violate Finland’s international cooperation obligations.