Ilta Sanomat reported a significant development on February 6, revealing that Finland has decided to prolong the closure of its border with Russia until at least February 11. This decision is part of Finland's ongoing efforts to regulate the influx of migrants attempting entry from the eastern region. Originally sealed in late November 2023, the border closure was implemented to curb the entry of migrants amid concerns about a surge in asylum seekers from countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen.
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The decision to close the border was a response to what Helsinki views as a deliberate strategy by Russia, labeled as a "hybrid operation," aimed at pressuring Finland by directing asylum seekers toward its border. Despite a brief attempt to reopen two crossing points in mid-December, the Finnish government swiftly reverted to a closure policy after evaluating the situation.
Interior Minister Mari Rantanen highlighted that the border conditions have remained unchanged since December, with reports indicating a buildup of migrants on the Russian side, ready to enter Finland. This ongoing situation led Finnish authorities in January to extend the border closure for an additional month, with a scheduled review on February 8. However, insider sources suggest that the government is likely to persist with the closure, seeking a more enduring resolution to the prevailing challenge.
Marko Saareks, the deputy head of Finland's Border Guard, emphasized the severity of the situation by noting the potential presence of thousands of migrants in Russia, awaiting an opportunity to cross into Finland. Saareks also anticipated that attempts to cross might escalate with the arrival of spring and the melting of snow.
Minister Rantanen has consistently articulated that relying solely on legislative changes will not adequately address the complexities of the situation. She reiterated Finland's condemnation of Russia's actions, characterizing them as a continuation of hybrid operations against Finnish sovereignty. This pattern mirrors tactics employed by Belarus, which has been accused of orchestrating migrant flows towards the Baltic states and Poland since 2021 as a means of exerting pressure.
Finland's border strategy, with a specific emphasis on drawing insights from Poland's experiences, highlights a broader regional concern regarding the use of migration as a geopolitical tool. This underscores the necessity for comprehensive solutions to fortify borders and effectively manage migration flows in the region.
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