Finland closes four of its nine border crossings with Russia. According to their own statements, this is intended to take action against the illegal immigration of migrants under pressure from Russia. Neighboring Estonia is also tightening its crackdown on migrants at the Russian border.
“The government has decided today that Finland will close some eastern border crossings,” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on Thursday. The border with Russia in these areas will be closed on the night from Friday to Saturday.
Retaliation for Finland’s accession to NATO?
Finland accuses Russia of encouraging illegal immigration across their shared border. Contrary to previous practices, Russia allows migrants without the necessary travel documents access to the 1,340 kilometer long border. Border officials even escorted the migrants to the border, Orpo said. This seems like revenge for Finland’s accession to NATO.
Estonia denies eight Somalis entry from Russia
Shortly afterwards, Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets accused Russia of allowing eight Somalis to continue their journey to the Baltic EU and NATO country despite missing documents. Due to the lack of a valid Schengen visa or residence permit, the migrants were denied entry to the country at the border station in Narva and sent back.
According to the minister, more people have been spotted at Russian border posts. Estonia’s border guards will do everything they can to prevent more migration attempts. The migrants “hardly thought of it themselves,” said the minister.
“You can’t get in like that”
Estonia coordinates its activities with Finland. “The message we convey is: you cannot enter the European Union via Estonia in this way,” said the Minister of the Interior.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
