In a latest development, Russia has formally lodged a complaint against Finland over its decision to close four border crossings. The closure, announced by Finnish authorities, was aimed at addressing the increasing influx of asylum seekers. However, the move has sparked allegations that Russia is deliberately directing migrants toward the border, an accusation strongly denied by the Kremlin.

The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Monday, labeling Finland's decision as "rushed" and enacted "without any consultations with the Russian side." It further argued that the closure violated the rights and interests of tens of thousands of people residing on both sides of the Russian-Finnish border. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov expressed his regret over the strained relations, emphasizing the value of the once-strong bilateral ties between the two nations.

Finland, as a member of the European Union and new member of the NATO military alliance, has been concerned about the increasing flow of asylum seekers. The country shares a 1,340 kilometer (830 mile) border with Russia, making it one of the key entry points for migrants.

Amid the ongoing situation, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto commented on the challenging task of deporting individuals who do not meet the criteria for asylum, stating that it has become "impossible." Speaking during a state visit to Poland, President Niinisto acknowledged that entering the Finnish border now means individuals can stay in the country if they wish to do so. He also emphasized the need for neighboring countries to collaborate instead of individually dealing with the crisis in their respective regions.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, during a visit to the Vartius crossing which remains open, noted that Finland could take further action in response to the situation but did not specify whether this meant closing all remaining crossings with Russia. He highlighted the importance of decisiveness and hinted at the possibility of additional measures if there is no change in the current circumstances.

The closure of these four border crossings comes as Finland grapples with an ongoing challenge of managing the influx of asylum seekers. These recent developments have strained diplomatic relations between Russia and Finland, casting a shadow over their previously strong bilateral ties. The situation continues to unfold, leaving uncertainty regarding future actions and how the issue will be resolved.