The Finnish government said it will extend the closure of border stations with Russia until further notice and added several ports to its list where travel would be prohibited. Finland closed its land borders with Russia late last year amid a growing number of arrivals from countries including Syria and Somalia. It has accused Moscow of weaponizing migration against the Nordic state, a claim the Kremlin denies. "Finnish authorities see this as a long-term situation. We have not seen anything this spring that would lead us to conclude that the situation has changed meaningfully," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said.
Finland Extends Russian Border Closing Indefinitely
Migrants arrive at the international border crossing at Salla in northern Finland on November 23, 2023. Finland has accused Moscow of weaponizing migration.