Finland Erecting Barriers at Border with Russia to Control Migrant Influx

Finland is erecting barriers at some crossing points on its border with Russia to better control an influx of migrants. The move comes after some 600 migrants without proper visas and documentation, mostly from the Middle East and Africa, arrived in Finland in November compared to a few dozen in September and October.

In an effort to control the recent influx of migrants, Finnish border guards and soldiers have begun erecting barriers, including concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire, at several crossing points along the country's lengthy border with Russia. The decision to close three more crossing points was announced, leaving only one Arctic point open for migrants seeking asylum.

Increased Migrant Arrivals

In November, Finland saw a significant increase in the number of migrants arriving without proper visas and documentation, with approximately 600 individuals entering the country. The majority of these migrants originate from countries such as Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Kenya, Morocco, and Somalia. This influx marks a substantial rise compared to the few dozen migrants who arrived in September and October.

Maintaining Order and Security

Tomi Tirkkonen, deputy commander of the Kainuu border guard district in eastern Finland, emphasized the need to maintain order and security at the crossing points. He stated that these measures are crucial to ensuring the safety of legal border traffic. The Kainuu district monitors two of Finland's nine crossing points on the 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border with Russia, which serves as the European Union's external border and forms NATO's northeastern flank.

Russia's Involvement

The Kremlin has expressed regret over Finland's decision to close the checkpoints and has rejected claims that Russia has encouraged the influx of migrants as a means of punishing Finland for joining NATO. However, Finnish authorities maintain that there is evidence suggesting Russia's involvement in facilitating the movement of migrants towards the border zone.

Closure of Border Crossings

Last week, the Finnish government decided to close four busy Russia border crossings in southeastern Finland due to suspicions of foul play by Russian border officials. Despite these measures, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo acknowledged that the situation had not improved, prompting the decision to close three additional crossing points. As a result, only Raja-Jooseppi, Finland's northernmost checkpoint with Russia, will remain open for migrants seeking asylum.

Instrumentalizing Migrants

Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen accused Russia of instrumentalizing migrants as part of its "hybrid warfare" against Finland. She presented proof that Russian border authorities were not only allowing individuals without proper documentation to approach the Finnish border but were actively assisting them in reaching the border zone. This marks a significant departure from previous practices.

Russia's Response

In response to Finland's actions, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Russian authorities are willing to collaborate with Finnish officials to reach an agreement on the border issue. However, the ministry argued that Finland should have raised its concerns earlier to find a mutually acceptable solution or receive an explanation.

Humanitarian Crisis

The situation at the border has been described as a "humanitarian crisis" by Andrei Chibis, governor of Russia's northern Murmansk region. With winter conditions in the Arctic Lapland region reaching minus 20-degree Celsius (minus 4 Fahrenheit) temperatures and heavy snowfall, migrants face significant challenges. Images of migrants in a tent set up by regional authorities near the Salla checkpoint have circulated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Motives Unclear

The number of migrants attempting to cross into Finland remains unusually high, leading the Finnish government to accuse Moscow of deliberately ushering migrants to the border zone. While some interpret Russia's actions as retaliation for Finland joining NATO, analysts suggest that the primary motive remains unclear.

Assistance from Frontex

In response to the situation, Finland is set to receive assistance from the EU's border and coast guard agency, Frontex. The country's decision to join NATO in response to Russia's war with Ukraine has raised concerns, and many view Moscow's migrant maneuvers as a form of retaliation. However, the full extent of Russia's involvement and motivations remains a subject of ongoing debate.