Finland to re-open two eastern border checkpoints

The Finnish government closed the entire eastern border nearly two weeks ago in response to a suspected Russian hybrid attack involving increasing numbers of undocumented migrants arriving at Finnish checkpoints.

Finland will re-open two checkpoints on its eastern border with Russia from  December 14, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) announced on December 12, according to Yle.

The two checkpoints to re-open are located at Vaalimaa, in the southeast of the country, and at Niirala, in North Karelia. The remaining six crossing points along the Finnish-Russian frontier will remain closed.

In a press conference on December 12 afternoon announcing the government's decision, Orpo emphasised that the government would reassess the situation if Russia relaunched its hybrid influencing tactics.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen (Finns) told the press conference that this decision would remain in effect until January 14, and reiterated that the government would act quickly if suspicions arise again that Russia is instrumentalising migrant movements to put pressure on Finnish authorities.