Current:Home > FinanceFinland extends closure of Russian border for another month, fearing a migrant influx-LoTradeCoin
Finland extends closure of Russian border for another month, fearing a migrant influx
View Date:2024-12-24 00:20:21
HELSINKI (AP) — Finland said Thursday it would extend the closure of its border with Russia for another month because it suspects Moscow is trying to undermine the Nordic country’s security by sending undocumented migrants across the frontier.
Finland closed the border late last year after 1,300 migrants without proper documentation or visas had arrived across the frontier since September — an unusually high number, just months after Finland joined the NATO alliance.
Finland accused Russia of deliberating ushering the migrants to its normally heavily controlled border. The Kremlin denied the allegation, and says it regrets the Finnish border closures.
The latest closure will last until Feb. 11, Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said at a news conference in Helsinki, saying that authorities believe that Russia’s campaign of manipulating undocumented migrants is continuing.
“There are people in nearby areas waiting for the border to open,” Rantanen said.
The migrants who arrived in the later months of last year were mainly from the Middle East and Africa - particularly from Syria, Somalia and Yemen - and the vast majority of them have sought asylum in Finland. They are currently being kept at migrant reception centers across the country while waiting for decision from authorities.
Many people in Finland have characterized Moscow’s alleged actions as retaliation for the Nordic country joining NATO in April of last year, but Finnish security experts have said Russia’s main motive for such migrant maneuvers remains unclear.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s government originally chose to close the 1,340-kilometer (830-mile) border in November, citing security concerns and Russia’s “hybrid warfare.” It later opened two selected checkpoints in eastern and northern Finland on a trial basis, but the migrant influx continued.
All eight Finland-Russia border crossing points for passengers have been closed since Dec. 15. The southeastern rail checkpoint for cargo trains in Vainikkala remains open for now.
Finland, a nation of 5.6 million people, acts as the European Union’s external border in the north and makes up a significant part of NATO’s northeastern flank.
___
Follow AP’s coverage of global migration at https://apnews.com/hub/migration
veryGood! (94)
Related
- Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
- Wisconsin Supreme Court candidates often speak out on hot topics. Only one faces impeachment threat
- North Carolina man charged with animal cruelty for tossing puppy from car window: report
- Harris, DeSantis, Giuliani among politicians marking Sept. 11 terror attacks at ground zero
- The 15 quickest pickup trucks MotorTrend has ever tested
- UN food agency warns of ‘doom loop’ for world’s hungriest as governments cut aid and needs increase
- Atlanta, New Orleans, San Francisco areas gain people after correction of errors
- 'Selling the OC': Tyler Stanaland, Alex Hall and dating while getting divorced
- Moana 2 Star Dwayne Johnson Shares the Empowering Message Film Sends to Young Girls
- Police in Jamaica charge a man suspected of being a serial killer with four counts of murder
Ranking
- 'Serial swatter': 18-year-old pleads guilty to making nearly 400 bomb threats, mass shooting calls
- Hurricane Lee's projected path to bring big surf, dangerous currents to US East Coast
- 3 Financial Hiccups You Might Face If You Retire in Your 50s
- Taiwan says it spotted 22 Chinese warplanes and 20 warships near the island
- Driver dies after crashing on hurricane-damaged highway in North Carolina
- MTV Video Music Awards return Tuesday, with an all-female artist of the year category
- Troy Aikman, Joe Buck to make history on MNF, surpassing icons Pat Summerall and John Madden
- Get a Front Row Seat to Heidi Klum's Fashion Week Advice for Daughter Leni Klum
Recommendation
-
Controversial comedian Shane Gillis announces his 'biggest tour yet'
-
Aaron Rodgers: QB’s shocking injury latest in line of unforgettable Jets debuts
-
A new campaign ad from Poland’s ruling party features Germany’s chancellor in unfavorable light
-
Tropical Storm Jova causes dangerous surf and rip currents along coasts of California and Mexico
-
Gavin Rossdale Makes Rare Public Appearance With Girlfriend Xhoana Xheneti
-
The Masked Singer Reveals Major Superstar as “Anonymouse” in Season 10 Kick-Off
-
'Selling the OC': Tyler Stanaland, Alex Hall and dating while getting divorced
-
Armenia launches joint military drills with United States that anger Moscow