Finland’s border dispute with Russia intensifies over migrant influx

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called on Russia to cease sending asylum seekers to Finland, characterizing the practice as a “hybrid attack.” Finland recently closed most border crossings due to an influx of over 800 migrants from nations including Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, Syria and Yemen. Finland is accusing Russia of orchestrating the situation as retaliation for increased defense cooperation with the United States. 

Orpo emphasized the issue as a matter of national security and a hybrid attack rather than a refugee crisis. Finland’s government has closed all but one land border crossing with Russia and is requiring individuals without proper documents to stay in supervised centers until their identities are established. 

“We want to send a clear message to Russia: this must stop,” Orpo said at a press conference. “It is not at this moment a question of asylum seekers, it is a question of hybrid attack and national security.”

The Finnish Border Guard anticipates support from Frontex, The European Border and Coast Guard Agency, to patrol the 832-mile border. The situation has prompted concerns about asylum rights and potential violations of the ban on return and mass deportation. Neighboring countries, including Norway, Estonia, and Latvia, have also raised similar concerns about Russia’s actions.

In a press release, Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen said: “Illegal immigration at Finland’s eastern border has continued to grow and has also expanded to other border crossings. Based on the observations made by the Border Guard and other authorities and the information received, it is clear that the authorities of a foreign country and other actors play a role in facilitating the arrival of persons who have crossed the border to Finland.”

The decision remains in effect until Dec. 23, 2023 as Finland assesses the scope of its decision.