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n response to a recent surge in migrants, Finnish authorities have begun erecting concrete barriers topped with barbed wire at select border crossing points with Russia, officials reported on November 22. Finland has announced the closure of three additional crossings, leaving only the Arctic Salla crossing open for migrants seeking asylum.
This month alone, around 600 migrants, largely from the Middle East and Africa and lacking proper visas and documentation, have entered Finland. This figure marks a significant increase from the few dozen recorded in the previous months. The arrivals include individuals from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco, and Somalia.
“We are taking these necessary steps to maintain order and ensure the security of legal border traffic,” stated Tomi Tirkkonen, deputy commander of the Kainuu border guard district.
The Finnish government’s recent decision to close four key southeastern border crossings with Russia raised suspicions of Russian officials’ involvement in the migrant influx. Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has indicated that further action may be required, leading to the additional closures of the Vartius, Kuusamo, and Salla crossings. As a result, Raja-Jooseppi will stand as the sole Finnish checkpoint accepting asylum applications from Russian arrivals.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed concerns over Russia’s potential use of migrants as part of a hybrid warfare strategy against Finland, stating, “We have evidence that Russian border authorities are not just allowing, but actively aiding individuals without proper documentation to reach the border zone.”
Despite Russia’s denial of any foul play, the Finnish ambassador in Moscow was summoned to discuss the closure of the most actively used checkpoints.
The migrant situation has reached critical levels at the Vartius and Salla checkpoints, with daily arrivals ranging from 30 to 70 individuals. Governor of Russia’s northern Murmansk region, Andrei Chibis, criticized Finnish authorities for not allowing migrants to cross, labeling the situation a “humanitarian crisis.”
The influx has included young men, families with children, and women, with photos and border guard data highlighting the unusual spike in numbers. The EU border and coast guard agency, Frontex, is set to provide assistance to Finland as it manages the situation.
Finland’s decision to join NATO, a direct response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, is seen by many as the catalyst for Russia’s alleged retaliation in the form of migrant maneuvers. Analysts remain uncertain of Russia’s primary motives behind such actions, as the geopolitical implications continue to unfold.
Source: Associated Press
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