Sign on the Finland-Russia border (Photo: AP).
"It is difficult for me to comment on something that has not yet happened. But judging by the way decisions are made in Western European countries, no option can be ruled out. Although, in this case, such a decision would clearly contradict Finland's national interests," Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko told reporters today, November 20.
The Russian diplomat warned that if Finland closes its borders, Moscow will take countermeasures in line with its national interests.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said today that Russian border guards comply with all instructions on the border with Finland and Moscow considers the far-fetched accusations unacceptable.
Mr Peskov once again denied Finland's accusations that Russia was deliberately pushing illegal migrants towards the border, while asserting that Russian border guards were performing their duties in accordance with regulations.
Asked about Finland's closure of four border crossings, Mr Peskov said: "This causes nothing but deep regret, because we have long-standing, very good relations with Finland, relations that are pragmatic and based on mutual respect."
“Of course, we regret that these relations have been replaced by extremely anti-Russian views, which the country's leaders have begun to espouse,” the Kremlin spokesman added.
Last week, the Finnish cabinet announced that it had decided to close four of its eight border crossings with Russia from November 18 to February 18, 2024, due to the worsening migrant situation. Today, Iltalehti newspaper quoted sources as saying that Helsinki is ready to close the remaining four border crossings with Russia on November 22.
The Finnish government may decide to close all land border crossings with Russia on the night of November 21-22, sources said.
Finnish authorities report an increase in illegal border crossings, including those by migrants from Syria, Yemen and Iraq.
Finnish Defence Minister Antti Hakkanen described the border closure as "a clear message to Russia", which he said was using migrants to "accelerate the migrant crisis in Europe and destabilise its unity".
Border gates on the Finnish-Russian border (Photo: BBC).
Finland shares a 1,340km border with Russia. Relations between Russia and Finland have deteriorated significantly since the conflict in Ukraine began in February 2022.
Finland became a NATO member this summer, a move that reflects Finland's growing concerns about its national security following Russia's military campaign in Ukraine.
Finland supports transferring frozen Russian assets abroad to Kiev to help Ukraine rebuild.
On November 13, the Moscow embassy in Helsinki warned that Finland had banned people from crossing the border with Russia by bicycle for "an indefinite period of time".
Source
Comment (0)