08 Feb 2024 | 02:08 PM UTC
Finland, Russia: Helsinki extends border crossing closures until at least April 14 /update 6
Finland extends border closure with Russia until April 14, further complicating cross-border freight and passenger transport disruptions.
Finnish authorities have extended the closure of the country's border crossings with Russia until at least April 14. Authorities also suspended the possibility of submitting applications for international protection at any Finland-Russia border crossing point for the duration of the border closure. The Finnish government ratified the decision on Feb. 8. Officials may further extend, modify, or rescind the border measures on short notice ahead of their scheduled expiration date. The countries' shared border was previously scheduled to reopen Feb. 11.
Given the existing reciprocal airspace closures and other travel restrictions between Russia and many European nations due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, the continued closure of the Finno-Russian ground border will further complicate freight and passenger transport between the two countries.
Consider alternative options if planning to travel or ship goods between Finland and Russia for the duration of the border closure. Strictly heed all instructions from Finnish authorities.
Finland originally closed all border crossings with Russia on Nov. 30, alleging that the Kremlin was backing a wave of migration targeting Finland. The border crossing points of Vaalimaa and Niirala were briefly reopened on Dec. 14 before being closed again at 20:00 Dec. 15 following Finnish allegations that Russia had once more attempted to direct migrants into Finland.
