Finland accuses Russia of trying to destabilize through entry of irregular migrants

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – Finland’s defense minister on Saturday accused Russia of trying to destabilize the country by facilitating the entry of irregular migrants to the country.

Antti Hakkanen told the Finnish public broadcaster YLE that the decision to close four southeast border crossings with Russia is part of the country's efforts to counter Russia's hybrid war.

Finland has evidence that the private mercenary company Wagner, acting on Moscow's orders, utilized irregular migration to destabilize Poland, the Baltic countries, and Europe in general, the minister claimed.

"Russia is a great power player, and we see this big picture and history and Russia's playbook, which is why we have to react decisively right from the start,” Hakkanen said.

“We have very strong intelligence. We know what Russia is doing and what is happening globally, not just in our neighborhood. Thanks to NATO membership and cooperation with the United States, our intelligence is comprehensive,” the minister added.

On Nov. 16, Finland announced the decision to close the four border crossings with Russia from midnight of November 17 in response to suspicions that Russian officials allowed undocumented asylum seekers to arrive at the Finnish border in growing numbers over recent days.

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