“The risk of migrants being used as an instrument remains,” the cabinet said, calling it “one of Russia’s methods of exerting pressure and undermining the security and social stability of Finland and the European Union.”
Finland first sealed its land crossings in mid‑December 2023 after an autumn surge saw more than 1,300 undocumented migrants—mainly from the Middle East and Africa—arrive from Russia in just a few weeks.
Finnish officials believe some entrants may pose security risks, including links to extremist groups or organized people‑smuggling networks.
In spring 2024, Helsinki also closed its Gulf of Finland maritime checkpoints indefinitely. The eastern border totals 1,343 km, of which 1,290 km is land and 54 km runs across the Gulf.
(jh)
Source: Polskie Radio 24