Finland to increase height of border barrier with Russia

The Finnish Border Guard has announced that Finland decided to raise the height of its border barrier with Russia to 3.5 metres, half a metre higher than originally planned, and to make the fencing more dense.

The project will also involve enhancements to the barrier’s fixtures, structures, gates, and barriers. The upgrades will affect areas close to densely populated regions in Russia, particularly around the "Nuijamaa" border crossing point and the "Vainikkala" railway station (border crossing point), covering a stretch of 17 kilometres. This section is expected to be fully operational by the summer of 2026, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

"The project has all the necessary conditions for full implementation. Complete funding was secured in the budget in the spring of 2024, allowing to expedite testing and procurement," project manager at the Finnish Border Guard Erkki Matilainen said.   The initial phase will focus on constructing approximately 70 kilometres of barriers in Southeast Finland, North Karelia, Kainuu (Lapland), and Northeast Finland.

Construction will commence on eight sections during summer and fall, with additional work beginning in late autumn on new sections totaling up to 128 kilometres.   Previously, the Finnish Interior Ministry announced plans to accelerate the construction of the barrier along the Russian border, aiming to complete all work by 2026. Between 2024 and 2026, approximately 200 kilometres of barriers are expected to be built along Finland's eastern border with Russia, with most of the fencing located in the southeastern part of the border.