The Finnish government to close four checkpoints on the border with Russia from November 18

Finland will close four border crossing points on the Russian-Finnish border from November 18. The restriction will last for three months.

The Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports.

The Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala border crossing points will be closed until February 18, 2024.

Four other checkpoints will remain open.

"There are clear indications that foreign authorities or other actors played a role in the arrival of those who crossed the border illegally," said Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.

According to the Finnish Border Guard, 280 people have legally entered the country through the eastern border since September. The number of people wishing to cross the border in the north is also growing.

In April 2023, Finland began construction of a 200-kilometre-long fence on the border with Russia. The work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

On September 15, 2023, Finland banned Russian passenger cars from entering the country.

It will be recalled that Bulgaria, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, and Norway have also announced a ban on Russian cars.