Finland Implements Temporary Border Closure with Russia

Finland will close its entire border with Russia for two weeks in response to an unusually large flow of asylum seekers, which the government believes is an orchestrated move by Moscow. Approximately 900 asylum seekers have entered Finland from Russia this month, prompting the closure of all border posts. Finland accuses Russia of funneling people to the border in retaliation for its decision to join NATO, a charge denied by the Kremlin. The remote location of the last open border post raised concerns about jeopardizing the right to seek asylum. Asylum seekers will now be limited to applying for protection at ports and airports.