Finland is restricting road traffic on its border with Russia to just one crossing point in the far north.
Over 600 people without valid travel documents to the European Union have come to Finland via Russia since the beginning of the month.
The EU's border agency Frontex plans to deploy more officers and equipment to Finland in response.
Finland has decided to restrict road traffic on its border with Russia to just one crossing point in the far north, according to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. This decision comes in response to a surge of asylum seekers, which Helsinki claims was instigated by Russia. The only remaining accessible crossing point will be the Raja-Jooseppi crossing point in the municipality of Inari.
Last week, four border crossings in southeastern Finland were closed, leaving four others open in the north. However, a previous plan by Orpo's cabinet to close all road crossings with Russia was rejected by Finland's Chancellor of Justice Office, which approved the current plan.
Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen accused Russia of instrumentalizing people and organizing their transport to the Finnish border. Over 600 people without valid travel documents to the European Union have come to Finland via Russia since the beginning of the month. The influx of Middle Eastern migrants began after Helsinki sought NATO membership.
The Finnish government has accused foreign authorities and other actors of facilitating the entry of these individuals. The EU's border agency Frontex plans to deploy more officers and equipment to Finland in response. The closures will take effect on midnight, November 24.
This move is seen as retaliation for Finland's closer defense ties with the U.S. and its joining of the NATO military alliance in April following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, it is important to note that the article implies that Russia is orchestrating the migrant crisis without providing concrete evidence.
The death of a Russian journalist, Boris Maksudov, who was reportedly killed by a Ukrainian drone.
The Kremlin's concern about the upcoming 2024 Russian presidential elections despite Putin's high approval ratings.
The good condition of Ukraine's winter crops.
Putin's visit to Belarus.
The reconciliation between Russia and the Wagner Group.
The ongoing fighting in Avdiivka.
Russia's alleged assistance to North Korea in its recent satellite launch.
Accuracy
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The Kremlin's apparent concern about Putin's support is odd, given that the Levada Center - an independent Russian polling organisation - found that 82% of Russians approved of Mr Putin's performance as of October this year.
Last week, four border crossings in southeastern Finland were closed, leaving four others open in the north.
A previous plan by Orpo's cabinet to close all road crossings with Russia was rejected by Finland's Chancellor of Justice Office, which approved the current plan.