Finland detaches from Russia as concrete barriers appear
Finland has fully closed four of its busiest crossroads on the Russian border as of midnight Eastern Time. Anticipating another potential migrant wave from Africa and the Middle East - level crossings were dropped, and metal and concrete barriers erected at certain checkpoints.
9:09 AM EST, November 18, 2023
On Friday, over 100 individuals, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, arrived at the shutting border crossings in Southeastern Finland, an area concentrating St. Petersburg and Moscow's traffic.
The Finnish authorities have acknowledged that the recent heightened influx of illegal immigrants is due to a "foreign state or other entity and Russian services, unlike before, are knowingly allowing the transit of people without valid documents".
The foremost border crossings with Russia in the vicinity of Virolahti, Lappeenranta, Imatra, and Northern Karelia in Niirala are now closed. These closures, as planned by the government, will persist for three months, until February 18th.
Finland Shuts Its Border with Russia
The so-called "Historical" lowering of the level crossings, reported by major Finnish media, occurred peacefully. However, an incident did transpire at the Niirala checkpoint in the evening.
An immigrant, part of a group of about thirty, disobeyed orders, mandating the use of tear gas by the guards.
The Finnish-Russian border spans over 827 miles. Beginning Saturday, just four other border crossings in Northern Finland remain operational — the closest being around 310-435 miles from the closed Karelian checkpoints. Asylum applications continue to be accepted in these areas.
Given the region's harsh winter conditions (temperatures plunging to approx. -4 degrees Fahrenheit), heated tents have been installed.
Despite the winter conditions, some asylum seekers have managed to reach the north. On Thursday, a group of close to 20 individuals, including cyclists, arrived at the first border crossing in the north in Kuhmo.
Migrants surge into Finland whilst Russia aids
Witness accounts and reports from asylum seekers suggest that migrants only resort to bicycles for the last leg of their journey, in the Russian border zone. Prior to this, the migrants are transported by buses, or "taxis". Allegedly, representatives of Russian services assist in this operation.
The Finnish Ministry of Internal Affairs warns that the government is prepared to completely close the eastern border should the situation escalate in the northern regions. This would bear significant similarities to the ongoing situation on the Polish-Belarusian border.
In total, over 300 migrants wishing to apply for asylum have arrived at Finnish border crossings this week.
