Finland closed several border crossings on its eastern border with Russia after a sudden rise in asylum seekers arriving without proper travel documents. Finnish authorities said the situation posed a security risk and accused Russia of facilitating the movement of migrants toward the border.
The measures were introduced in late 2023 and later extended as the government assessed the situation along the border.
Sudden increase in border crossings
Finnish border authorities reported an unusually rapid increase in asylum seekers arriving at eastern border checkpoints. Many of the individuals lacked valid travel documents and arrived from Russia using bicycles or other means.
Under normal circumstances, Russia had previously prevented undocumented migrants from approaching official border crossings. Finnish officials said the change suggested that Russian authorities had altered their practices.
As the number of arrivals increased, the Finnish government decided to close several border crossing points in order to regain control of the situation.
Hybrid influence concerns
Finnish officials have described the situation as a possible form of hybrid influence, in which migration is used as a tool to create political pressure or instability.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the government believed the arrivals were being facilitated by Russia.
Finland’s security authorities have noted similarities with earlier situations in Europe where migration pressure was allegedly used as part of political influence operations.
Security considerations
Finland shares a 1,340-kilometre border with Russia, making it the longest external land border of the European Union with the country.
Because of its length and strategic importance, border management is considered a key element of Finland’s national security.
The government said temporary border closures were necessary to prevent the situation from escalating and to allow authorities to manage asylum procedures in a controlled way.
Exceptional measures
The closures were introduced as temporary measures and were reviewed regularly by the government.
Finland has emphasised that the country continues to follow international obligations related to asylum and border control while also taking steps to safeguard national security.
The situation on the eastern border remains closely monitored by Finnish authorities.
