Finland will close its last operating checkpoint on the Russian border for two weeks, effectively sealing off the eastern border with Russia. The decision comes as part of Finland's efforts to restrict crossings from Russia due to concerns over national security and illegal entry.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that Russia was enabling the instrumentalization of people and directing them towards the Finnish border, especially during harsh winter conditions. With determination to put an end to this phenomenon, the last checkpoint will close at midnight on November 30, reopening on December 13.

The Finnish Ministry of Internal Affairs explained that the move follows an increasing effort by Helsinki to limit border crossings from Russia, which intensified after the invasion of Ukraine last year and Finland's ascent to NATO earlier this year. The closure is intended to protect Finland's national security by countering what is referred to as a Russian hybrid operation.

The Finnish Border Guard, responsible for enforcing border security, emphasized that the goal of the closure is to end illegal entries from Russia. They reiterated Finland's commitment to its own border security and the prompt implementation of government decisions.

Finland shares an 830-mile-long border with Russia, and the crossing was one of the few entry points for Russians after several Western countries imposed travel restrictions on Russian planes in response to the Ukraine invasion.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko criticized the decision, calling it "irrational" and stating that it would harm Finnish citizens. He argued that the closure was unwarranted, as only around 700 migrants attempted to cross the Russian-Finnish border during the specified period.

In response to the ongoing issue, Finland's government previously announced the temporary closure of four crossing points along its border with Russia until February 2024. Despite these restrictions, entry into Finland through the eastern border has persisted, with nearly 1,000 third-country nationals arriving without visas since August, many of whom have applied for asylum.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg accused Russia of using migration as a "tool" to create pressure along its border with Finland. He highlighted Russia's history of using various means, such as energy and cyber attacks, to undermine democracies. Stoltenberg expressed confidence in Finland's ability to handle the situation independently and welcomed the deployment of 50 guards by the European Union's border agency, Frontex, along the Finnish border.

Notably, Finland took steps earlier this year to construct an eastern border barrier fence during the pilot phase, aiming to strengthen security in key areas. The closure of the border in September 2022 saw a surge in traffic as Russians attempted to flee President Vladimir Putin's call for partial mobilization in the ongoing war.

Finland's decision to close the border with Russia reflects its commitment to protecting national security and addressing concerns over illegal entries. The temporary closure will allow authorities to assess and strengthen border controls to safeguard the country's interests.