Given the increased number of migrants without valid documents from Russia, Finland wants to leave only one border crossing with its eastern neighbor open from Friday. Support was also requested from the EU border protection agency Frontex. Initially, 50 officials will be sent.
In addition to personnel, the Finnish Border Guard also needs to be reinforced with equipment such as patrol vehicles. Aid is expected to arrive on site from next week.
Finland speaks of attempts at destabilization
In recent months, Finnish authorities have registered an increase in the number of migrants from the Middle East and Africa – especially from Iraq, Yemen and Somalia – on the eastern border with Russia. The government in Helsinki accuses Russia of smuggling undocumented migrants across the border to destabilize Finland, which has been a NATO member since April.
Russia and Finland share a 1,340 kilometer long land border. Ten Frontex officials are currently deployed there. Relations between the countries have deteriorated significantly since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine in February 2022.
Joins Russia’s “Attack on Security” of NATO
In April, Finland joined NATO after decades of alliance neutrality. Moscow condemned the entry into the military alliance as an “attack on Russian security.”
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.
