Finland Extends Closure of Russian Border Amid Migrant Concerns

Accusing Russia of destabilizing efforts, Finland continues border closure as over 1,300 undocumented migrants await asylum decisions.

Finland has extended the closure of its border with Russia until February 11, citing concerns over a potential influx of undocumented migrants.
The Finnish government accuses Russia of deliberately encouraging migrants to cross the border, a claim Russia denies.
Since Finland joined NATO in April last year, over 1,300 undocumented migrants have arrived from Russia, leading to suspicions of Moscow's involvement.
The migrants, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, are currently housed in reception centers across Finland, awaiting asylum decisions.
Despite temporary openings of selected checkpoints, the migrant influx continued, leading to the closure of all eight Finland-Russia border crossing points for passengers.