09 февраля 2024 — 14:30
The Finnish government has decided to extend restrictions on crossing the border with Russia for another two months, until April 14, Interfax reports.
According to the Finnish public broadcaster YLE, the decision that the land border crossing points between Finland and Russia will remain closed until April 14 was made on Thursday at a meeting of the State Council (Government of Finland).
In addition, according to the portal, it will be impossible to apply for international protection at land checkpoints between Finland and Russia.
"There are reasons to assume that we are dealing with a long-term situation. There are at least hundreds, and possibly thousands, of migrants in the area of the Russian border who are waiting for the opportunity to continue their journey to Finland," Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen told reporters on Thursday.
According to her, "the continued complete closure of the eastern border is understandably regrettable, especially for people living in Finland who have family members or other close relatives on the other side of the border." "However, the temporary closure of checkpoints is a consequence of Russia's actions, because of which Finland must put national security above other issues," the minister said.
"Now that we are extending the closure of the border for two months, we want to use this to send a signal to Russia and citizens of third countries that the Finnish border is not open. Finland will not tolerate pressure," Rantanen said.