Finland is closing all crossing points on the border with Russia for asylum seekers until December 13, and will accept asylum applications only at airports and seaports. This was stated by the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo, according to Yle, UNN reports .
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The prime minister said that the government's goal is to take control of Russia's hybrid activities affecting Finland as soon as possible.
We are talking about organized activities,
Orpo noted that the decision to close the eastern border will come into force on Thursday at 00:00 and will remain in effect until December 13. The prime minister emphasizes that previous closures of border crossings on the eastern border were tough decisions, and the hybrid impact has not yet ended.
Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen clarified that it will not be possible to apply for asylum at border crossings, but it will be possible to do so at ports and airports. According to her, the complete closure of the eastern border is necessary in the name of national security. She also noted that the closure could be canceled or extended for another two weeks if necessary.
Border Guard spokesman Matti Sarasmaa says that the Vainikkala railroad connection between Finland and Russia will continue. He also added that the complete closure of the border is based on new information that was not available last week.