The Finnish government decided to close all border ports with Russia again on the 14th, just a few hours after the limited opening of the two border ports with Russia.
According to a press release released by the Finnish government on the evening of the 14th, the decision to close all border ports on the eastern border will take effect from 8pm on the 15th and will be valid until January 14th next year.
Finnish Interior Minister Rantanin said at a press conference that after the opening of two border ports on the same day, attempts to illegally enter Finland were more severe than expected, and the situation on the eastern border posed a security risk to Finland.
Finland borders Russia in the east, with a border of over 1300 kilometers between the two countries. According to data released by the Finnish government at the end of November, nearly 1000 third country citizens without visas have attempted to arrive in Finland through the eastern border port since early August this year, with the majority of them submitting asylum applications. The Finnish government believes that these immigrants and the escalation of the regional situation pose a serious threat to national security and public order.
To curb illegal immigration, the Finnish government closed four border ports in the southeast bordering Russia on November 18th, three eastern border ports including Kusamo and Sara on November 24th, and announced on November 28th the closure of the last border port with Russia - Rajayosepi Port - from November 30th to December 13th. The Finnish government announced on December 12th that it will have limited access to two border ports with Russia starting from the 14th, valid until January 14th next year.
