The Finnish authorities have reached out to the European border agency Frontex, requesting the deployment of 60 personnel to strengthen border security with Russia. This information was shared by the European Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ilva Johansson, as reported by RIA Novosti.
Due to the deteriorating migration situation, Finland has made the decision to close four out of eight border crossing points with Russia from November 18th, 2023, until February 18th, 2024.
Johansson stated, “Finland has requested additional operational support from Frontex in the coming weeks, in the form of 60 personnel. The situation is evolving with each passing hour.” She also mentioned that the European Commission is in constant contact with the Finnish authorities and is ready to respond to the situation at their borders.
Furthermore, Johansson accused Russia of “using migrants” and allegedly intending to destabilize the situation in the European Union. She shared her impressions of visiting the border with Russia with parliamentarians, stating, “Last year, I visited the Nuyamaa border crossing on the Finnish border, which is the longest border with Russia among all EU countries. There, I personally witnessed Finland’s commitment to protecting EU borders and the union’s values.”
Previously, the official spokesperson of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Maria Zakharova, expressed Russia’s readiness to work with Finland to resolve the border issue.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused Finland of shifting responsibility for the situation at the border with Russia.
