Finland to close 4 border crossings with Russia to curb 'illegal entry'

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) – Finland announced on Thursday that it will temporarily close four border crossings with its eastern neighbor Russia due to increased “illegal entry."

The Finnish government said in a statement that the border crossings at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala will be closed from Nov. 18 to Feb. 18 next year.

"We have acted decisively and swiftly so that the situation at the eastern border would not escalate. During the previous parliamentary term, amendments were made to the Border Guard Act precisely for such situations. These tools have now been used," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in the statement.

The measures are taken to prevent illegal entry into the country, the Finnish premier said, stressing that they are prepared to take "even stronger measures" if necessary.

"There are indications that foreign authorities or other actors have played a role in facilitating the entry into Finland of persons who have crossed the border illegally," he said.