Border closure
The Finnish Border Guard announced on November 16 that they would close the Valima, Noigama, Imatra and Nirala border gates in this area from today, due to an increase in illegal crossings on the eastern border with Russia. Finnish Interior Minister Marie Rantanen said: Closing the border crossing points on the eastern border will stop illegal entry into Finland. He added, “The government is ready to take stricter measures if necessary.”
Russia’s reaction
Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, in his statement to the Russian press about Finland’s decision, stated that Russia has never threatened Finland in modern history. Peskov stressed that the decision would harm bilateral relations.
Facilities at border crossings
“There are indications that foreign authorities or other actors are playing a role in facilitating the entry of people who cross the border illegally into Finland,” the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office said in a statement about the government’s decision. The Finnish government also confirmed that it is closely monitoring the situation at the border.
International reactions
EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that they met with Finnish Prime Minister Petri Orpo on the issue on November 16. “It is shameful that Russia is using migrants as a tool,” she said. “I fully support the measures taken by Finland. I thank the Finnish border guards for their support,” he said. Protecting our European borders.
The above developments highlight Finland’s efforts to protect its borders and international reactions. These measures demonstrate the importance that the state attaches to border security and its repercussions on the international scene.