In response to Finland's decision to close all but one border crossing between the two countries, Russia has announced tightened security in its northern Murmansk region. The move comes after Finland claimed a surge in attempted crossings by migrants seeking asylum, which they believe is a destabilization effort orchestrated by Russia.

Murmansk governor Andrey Chibis took to social media to announce the implementation of a heightened state of readiness in the region along with additional security measures to protect the residents. The decision comes as relations between Russia and Finland have soured due to Moscow's military offensive on Ukraine and Finland joining the NATO military alliance.

According to Chibis, Finland's move to keep only the northernmost border crossing open will likely lead to a significant increase in the number of migrants attempting to cross into Finland from the Arctic region. On Wednesday, approximately 400 people were waiting to cross through the Salla border, out of which only 50 were allowed to enter Finland.

Helsinki has accused Moscow of allowing migrants without proper documents to cross the shared border. The closure of the border crossings by Finland is seen as a response to these allegations.

The border issue between Russia and Finland has highlighted the growing tension between the two countries. As Russia's military actions in Ukraine continue to raise concerns among neighboring nations, Finland's decision to strengthen its ties with NATO has further strained the relationship. The closure of border crossings and the subsequent increase in security measures by Russia only serve to exacerbate the diplomatic tensions.

As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain how long the border closures will last and what impact it will have on the migration flow in the region. Both countries will need to find a way to address their concerns and work towards a mutually acceptable solution to maintain stability and security along their shared border.