Finland has no plans to reopen border crossings with Russia

(Patria) - Helsinki will not reopen checkpoints on the border with Russia after January 14, Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen told MTV3, Tass agency reports.

When asked if Finland's eastern border would remain closed, Rantanen said: "This is how it should be." The minister stated that there has been no change in the migrant situation at the border with Russia, so "there is a risk that Russia will continue such activities if the border is opened".

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo confirmed that Helsinki will not reopen border crossings after January 14.

"According to my information, nothing has changed in Russia. I believe the threat assessment remains the same and emphasizes the need for further action," he said.

Orpo pointed out that the Finnish government is expected to make a decision on the matter in the coming days. Earlier, the Finnish government decided to close all vehicle checkpoints on the border with Russia between November 30 and December 14, 2023. Two crossings were reopened at that time, but the border was closed again for the period from December 15, 2023, to January 14, 2024, due to the renewed influx of migrants from third countries.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said earlier that Finland's move to close border crossings is creating new lines of division in Europe and that Moscow will respond to these actions after interagency consultations.