Finnish PM: Border with Russia to remain closed amid security concerns

Finland's Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, said that the country’s border with Russia will remain closed due to ongoing security concerns, citing the potential risk of unauthorized crossings if checkpoints were reopened.

"The threat assessment has not changed. Russia’s actions remain consistent," Orpo told reporters, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

He warned that Russia could facilitate crossings by individuals lacking valid travel documents, posing a security risk. "For this reason, reopening the border, even on an experimental basis, is not possible," he added.

To recall, the Finnish government closed its road checkpoints along the Russian border in November 2023, citing an uncontrolled flow of refugees from third countries.

The move was part of measures to tighten border security amid growing geopolitical tensions.

Russia has criticized the decision, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova saying it creates new dividing lines in Europe. She added that Moscow is preparing a response in coordination with various government departments.

Moreover, in December, the European Commission allocated €170 million to Finland to bolster its border security with Russia and Belarus, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced.

"Finland, alongside Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Norway, is valiantly protecting our shared borders against threats from Russia and Belarus," von der Leyen said.

Of the total, €50 million will enhance surveillance along Finland’s border with Russia, according to Finland’s Interior Minister Mari Rantanen. The funding will expand technical monitoring and improve situational awareness.

By Aghakazim Guliyev