Finland admits gradual opening of borders with Russia

Checkpoints on the border between Russia and Finland will be opened in stages if the situation with migrants normalizes, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen has said.

According to her, now the situation on the eastern border is peaceful, even though refugees from Africa and the Middle East remain in the border zone, Interfax reports.

Valtonen added that the situation on the border is monitored daily.

She considers it most important to "react decisively to Russia's actions."

Finland has closed four checkpoints on its border with Russia since November 18. The same month, the Finnish authorities announced that they would close all crossings on the border with Russia by December 13.

The Kremlin called Finland's measures to strengthen the border redundant. HS reported that Finland may announce the opening of checkpoints on the border with Russia tomorrow, December 12.