Finland expects that seven out of eight border crossings with Russia will be open before Christmas, that is, earlier than the previously scheduled date of February 18, Interfax reports.
“The government’s decision on Wednesday to close almost all border crossings on the eastern border reversed a previous decision according to which the border points of Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala would be closed until February 18, 2024,” Finnish media reported.
“It was decided that a period of about one month would be correct, given the tight restrictions,” said Finnish border guard chief Rear Admiral Markku Hassinen. By severe restrictions, he means closing almost the entire eastern border.
According to Hassinen, the practical consequences of closing border crossings are constantly being assessed and decisions are being made accordingly.
“In practice, if no changes are made to Wednesday’s decision, it will cease to apply until Christmas. Personally, I have the impression that the decision may have to be reconsidered sooner,” said the head of the border guard.
Let us remind you that on November 18, Finland closed four border checkpoints in South-Eastern Finland, citing the alleged mass entry of emigrants from third countries to the Finnish border by the Russian side. On Wednesday, the government decided to close more checkpoints until December 23, leaving only one, the northernmost one, Raja-Jooseppi, open, as the influx of asylum seekers has not decreased recently.
Source: Rosbalt
Mario Twitchell is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his insightful and thought-provoking writing on a wide range of topics including general and opinion. He currently works as a writer at 247 news agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
