Helsinki, November 26 – Finland is prepared to close its last border crossing with Russia if there is a continued uncontrolled influx of refugees, stated Prime Minister Petteri Orpo in an interview with Suomi radio. “If necessary, Finland will close the eastern border, all of its crossings, and concentrate asylum applications in a different location, other than the eastern border. You can submit an application for asylum at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport or ports, but not at the eastern border,” said the head of government. According to him, the situation at the border with Russia is concerning for the Finnish people. “I know that people are worried about the border situation, but we are currently seeking a solution to this problem,” Orpo added. Since November 18, Finnish authorities have closed four of the eight border crossings for four months: “Vaalimaa,” “Nuijamaa,” “Imatra,” and “Niirala.” Later, Helsinki decided to close three more checkpoints on the border with Russia, except for “Rajayooseppi,” until December 23. Moscow does not rule out the possibility that Finnish authorities may fully close the border. As Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko emphasized, in such a case, Helsinki would harm its own interests. The Russian side emphasized that those who voice accusations in the migration crisis are trying to shift problems from the sick head to the healthy one. European countries themselves created conditions for hundreds of thousands of migrants to go to them, and now they are trying to avoid responsibility for what is happening. Moscow has noted that the millions of refugees from Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Ukraine, and other countries were provoked by the destructive actions of the US and its allies, who fuel military and ethnic conflicts. According to President Dmitry Peskov’s press secretary, the Russophobic position now adopted by the leaders of the neighboring country is deeply regrettable. As for the accusations against Russian border guards, Peskov emphasized that they comply with all instructions, and only those who have the legal right to do so use the border crossings.
