Poland offers to help Finland close border with Russia

Poland has pledged to support and share experience with Finland as it closes its border with Russia to stop illegal migrants.

"Unfortunately, we have also spent two years defending our borders against the pressure of migrants. Finland can fully count on Poland's political support and the experience we share," Polish President Andrzej Duda said during a meeting with his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in Warsaw on November 20.

President Duda called the influx of illegal migrants into Finland a "hybrid attack" and likened it to the situation on Poland's eastern border with Belarus. Poland has long accused Russia and Belarus of fueling the influx of undocumented migrants into Poland.

In response, President Niinisto said it appeared that some migrants had tried to cross into Poland unsuccessfully, so they continued north, towards the Finnish border.

The leaders of Poland and Finland have agreed to raise their border situation at European Union (EU) meetings.

“In the long run, no country can solve problems that occur in its immediate neighborhood on its own,” said Mr. Niinisto.

Polish President Andrzej Duda (right) and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in Warsaw on November 20. Photo: AFP — Polish President Andrzej Duda (right) and his Finnish counterpart Sauli Niinisto in Warsaw on November 20. Photo: *AFP*

Finland last week closed four border crossings with Russia after accusing Moscow of trying to destabilize the country by allowing undocumented migrants to enter the Nordic country.

Russia on November 20 denied the accusation and objected to Finland's earlier warning that it could close all border crossings between the two countries. "Such a move would clearly contradict Finland's national interests," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko said.

Finland began erecting a wire mesh security fence, equipped with a surveillance system, on its border with Russia in April. By the end of 2026, about 200 km of fence will be built in the most important sections along the border between the two countries.

Finland shares a 1,300km border with Russia, but there is little human activity. The border between the two countries was previously only separated by a low fence, mainly to prevent stray cattle and livestock.