In a press conference held in Helsinki, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced that Finland will be closing its entire eastern border with Russia in response to concerns over migration. The decision comes after the government closed seven other border checkpoints due to a surge in arrivals of migrants from the Middle East and Africa.

Orpo highlighted the fact that Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer-long border with Russia, most of which is not fenced. The Finnish government has accused Moscow of playing a role in directing migrants towards the Finnish border, labeling it as "hybrid warfare" on the part of the Kremlin.

As a result, the last remaining open border station on the eastern border, Raja-Jooseppi in Inari, Northern Lapland, is set to close from Thursday, November 30th until December 13th. This closure is part of the government's efforts to address what Orpo described as an "exceptional" situation faced by the country.

The closure of the eastern border checkpoint marks a significant step in Finland's response to the recent migrant influx. With concerns over the unregulated movement of individuals and potential security risks, the government has made the decision to temporarily shut down all border access points with Russia. This move aims to regain control over the border and ensure the safety and security of the country.

The Finnish government's action has not been taken lightly, as the closure of the border poses potential implications for trade and cross-border cooperation. However, with the escalating situation and the need to address the influx of migrants effectively, the government believes it is necessary to enact these measures.

The closure of the eastern border with Russia is expected to significantly impact Finland's border controls and immigration processes. The Finnish authorities will closely monitor the situation to determine the next steps and assess the potential long-term implications of this decision.

Finland's firm stance to close its entire eastern border with Russia reflects the increasing challenges faced by countries in managing migration flows. As the government works towards addressing this issue, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact bilateral relations and whether it will effectively address the concerns raised by the recent surge in migrant arrivals.