Finland Closes Four Border Crossings with Russia Amid Migrant Influx

Move comes in response to alleged Russian orchestration of migration, amid strained relations following Finland's NATO membership.

Finland has decided to close four of its eight border crossings with Russia in an attempt to halt the influx of undocumented migrants, primarily from the Middle East and Africa.
The Finnish government accuses Russia of deliberately facilitating this migration as a means to destabilise the country, a claim that Russia denies.
The border closures come amid strained relations between the two countries, following Finland's decision to join NATO earlier this year, a move that Russia has condemned.
Despite the closures, asylum seekers arriving via Russia will still be able to submit applications at two northern border crossings.
Finland is also constructing a 200-kilometer fence on a section of its border with Russia, due to be completed by 2026.