In response to the recent influx of asylum seekers arriving via Russia, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex is set to deploy additional officers and resources to Finland. The move comes as Finland accuses Russia of directing around 700 migrants to the border in the last two weeks, a claim Russia denies.
The additional Frontex staff, comprising 50 border guard officers and other personnel, will be equipped with patrol cars and other necessary equipment. Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has also announced plans to increase the registration of arrivals, establishing centres for the collection of photos, fingerprints, and other identity information.
The asylum seekers arriving in Finland are from various nations including Yemen, Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, and Syria. In addition to the increased Frontex presence, Finland has begun erecting barriers at its border with Russia and plans to close all but the northernmost crossing point on its border with Russia, leaving only a remote Arctic route open.
Finland's Foreign Minister, Elina Valtonen, claims to have proof that Russian border authorities are not only allowing people without proper documentation to reach the Finnish border but are also actively helping them. Estonia has also accused Russia of involvement in a 'hybrid attack operation' to bring migrants to its border.
The situation at the Finnish-Russian border continues to evolve, with the measures taken by Finland and the EU aimed at managing the influx of asylum seekers and maintaining border security.