Finland has begun constructing a 124-mile fence along the country’s 800-mile border with Russia, in an effort to boost security. The move comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine enters its second year and reports of Russians fleeing the military draft continue.
Some in the Nordic nation have expressed concerns of Russian threats, as the invasion in Ukraine shows little sign of slowing down. Finland is not a current member of NATO.
Last year, scenes of people trying to escape the Kremlin’s mobilization efforts by driving and walking into neighboring countries made headlines and sparked concerns mass migration could be weaponized by Russia.
Currently, Finland’s borders consist mostly of light wooden fences, as reported by BBC. The country is now cutting down trees to set up a 10-foot, 124-mile barbed wire fence along its border, which is the longest border between the European Union and Russia.
Meanwhile, Finland and Sweden are accelerating their bid to join the NATO alliance, which would grant them the guaranteed commitment of protection by Western military powers. To join NATO, Finland and Sweden need approval from all members of the defense alliance, which they mostly have.
Turkey and Hungary have yet to approve their membership.
