Finland to close border with Russia for 2 weeks

ATHENS

Finland announced that it decided to close its entire eastern border with Russia for two weeks starting Nov. 30 media reports said Tuesday.

The closure aims to defend the country from what has been described by the government as a hybrid attack by Russia using migrants from third countries, said public broadcaster YLE.

The entire border with Russia will be closed, with the exception of rail freight via the southern border crossing of Vainikkala.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the move was prompted by national security concerns.

"Our aim is that the exceptional situation at the eastern border of Finland returns back to normal as soon as possible. We don't accept any attempt to undermine our national security, he said. “Russia has caused this situation and is also able to end it.”

Finland announced Nov. 16 its decision to close four border crossings with Russia from midnight Nov. 17 in response to suspicions that Russian officials had allowed undocumented asylum seekers to arrive at the Finnish border in growing numbers.

The following day, Helsinki issued another statement warning that the government was prepared to take additional action if the decision to close four border crossing points did not help calm the situation on the eastern border.​​​​​​​