Finland Closes Entire Eastern Border with Russia Again Amid Migrant Influx
The Finnish government accuses Russia of deliberately ushering migrants to the border, a claim the Kremlin denies.
- Finland has decided to close its entire eastern border with Russia again due to a continuing influx of migrants at two crossing points that were temporarily reopened.
- The Finnish Border Guard reported that dozens of migrants without proper documentation or visas had arrived at the two checkpoints by late Thursday.
- The Finnish government accuses Russia of deliberately ushering migrants, most of whom are seeking asylum in Finland, to the border zone.
- The Kremlin has denied that Russia is encouraging migrants to enter Finland and has said that it regrets the Finnish border closures.
- There are eight crossing points for passenger and vehicle traffic on the Finland-Russia land border, and one rail checkpoint for cargo trains. As of Friday evening, only the rail checkpoint will remain open between the two countries.