Finland Shuts Down Final Checkpoint on Russian Border

Finland will close its last operating checkpoint on the Russian border for two weeks, effectively shutting off its eastern border with Russia. The decision comes as part of Finland's efforts to restrict crossings from Russia, following the invasion of Ukraine and Finland's ascension to NATO. The closure aims to protect Finland's national security against what it calls a Russian hybrid operation. The Finnish Border Guard stated that the goal is to end illegal entry from Russia. The closure will impact Finnish citizens, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko, who criticized the decision as irrational. Finland has seen an influx of third-country nationals arriving without visas and applying for asylum. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of using migration as a tool to create pressure along its border with Finland.