#Finland #Russia
"Finland is closing all crossings on the Russian border after accusing Moscow of deliberately helping migrants into the country.
Seven of eight road posts have already shut over a rise in crossings this month.
The government now says the last, located in the Arctic Circle, will close on Thursday for two weeks.
Around 900 asylum seekers entered Finland from Russia in November, up from fewer than one a day on average.
They come from countries including Morocco, Pakistan and Syria, authorities say.Finland is "determined to put an end to the crossings", Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a statement.
The government says Russia is channelling asylum seekers towards Finland in what it calls an "influence operation" and "hybrid attack", and has progressively closed more and more border posts.
The Raja-Jooseppi crossing was the last road one to remain open, but it too will be closed by Friday. A rail crossing will remain open for freight traffic..."
"Finland is closing all crossings on the Russian border after accusing Moscow of deliberately helping migrants into the country.
Seven of eight road posts have already shut over a rise in crossings this month.
The government now says the last, located in the Arctic Circle, will close on Thursday for two weeks.
Around 900 asylum seekers entered Finland from Russia in November, up from fewer than one a day on average.
They come from countries including Morocco, Pakistan and Syria, authorities say.Finland is "determined to put an end to the crossings", Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a statement.
The government says Russia is channelling asylum seekers towards Finland in what it calls an "influence operation" and "hybrid attack", and has progressively closed more and more border posts.
The Raja-Jooseppi crossing was the last road one to remain open, but it too will be closed by Friday. A rail crossing will remain open for freight traffic..."
Finland to close entire Russian border after migrant surge
The last open crossing, in the Arctic Circle, will close on Thursday night, the government says.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67555626
6 months ago
