Finland’s shocking midnight move against Russia’s migrant maneuver – Barriers Up!
In a sensational turn of events, Finnish officials declared their decision to erect barriers at four crucial border crossings with Russia starting midnight, in a bold move to stem the growing tide of migrants. The Finnish government alleges that Russia is deliberately funneling migrants as an act of retaliation against Helsinki’s recent decision to bolster its defense cooperation with the United States. The Kremlin, however, has denied these accusations.
Urgent Border Security Upgrades
Finland’s Border Guard announced that barriers will be installed at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala crossings, four out of the nine Finnish-Russian borders. This decisive action, set to take place before 1900 local time (1700 GMT), as reported by Finland’s public broadcaster YLE, highlights Helsinki’s urgent response to the migrant influx. YLE further revealed that border guards used chemical irritants to repel migrants, and physical force was employed to contain a group of 30 migrants who attempted to breach the Niirala crossing.
Finland intensifies border security, raises barriers at Russian crossings to halt migrant influx
Finland’s Stance on Border Security
Matt Pitkaniitty, the Head of International Affairs of the Finnish Border Guard, emphasized the necessity of these barriers to prevent unauthorized entry. These measures are a direct response to changes in Russia’s border policy. In a bold statement, Pitkaniitty declared, “Our aim is to use barrier devices to prevent entry,” underscoring Finland’s firm stance on securing its borders.
Kremlin’s Reaction to Finland’s Move
The Russian response to Finland’s actions was swift and sharp. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, quoted by Russian state news agency TASS, criticized Finland’s decision as a “big mistake,” indicating a path of confrontation chosen by Finland. Peskov expressed deep regret over Finland’s actions, stating they are “destroying bilateral relations.”
The Scale of Migrant Influx
The Finnish Border Guard reported that approximately 300 asylum seekers, primarily from Iraq, Yemen, Somalia, and Syria, arrived in Finland this week alone, with nearly 100 entries recorded by midday on Friday. This escalating situation at the 1340 km long Russia-Finland border, also the external border of the European Union, has become a focal point in the ongoing international migrant crisis.
Finland’s dramatic midnight decision to erect barriers marks a significant escalation in the already tense relations between Helsinki and Moscow. It’s a bold step by Finland to protect its borders and manage the migrant situation, resonating across the European Union and beyond.