Finland Extends Border Closure with Russia Indefinitely Due to Migration Concerns

The Finnish government cites 'instrumentalized migration' by Russia as the primary reason for the indefinite extension, aiming to protect national security and public order.

• Finland's government announced the indefinite closure of land and maritime borders with Russia, effective beyond the April 14 deadline, in response to concerns over 'instrumentalized migration'.
• 'Instrumentalized migration' refers to Russia's strategy of sending large numbers of migrants to Finland's borders to destabilize the country, a practice Finland aims to combat with the closure.
• The closure includes all land border crossing points and three maritime checkpoints starting April 15, while applications for asylum can still be made at Finnish airports and harbors.
• Interior Minister Mari Rantanen stated that the situation is viewed as long-term, with no signs of change in Russia's tactics, and hundreds could be instrumentalized against Finland.
• The Finnish Cabinet is drafting legislation to combat instrumentalized migration, including potentially controversial measures such as the 'pushback' method.

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