Finland Extends Border Closure with Russia Amid Migrant Concerns

Finland extends the closure of its border with Russia until April 14 due to ongoing concerns about Russia's "hybrid operation" of funneling migrants towards the frontier, posing a serious threat to Finland's national security and public order. The government believes that Russia has not stopped its behavior and anticipates that the situation will continue for some time, with hundreds, if not thousands, of migrants waiting on the Russian side to cross into Finland. Russia denies the allegations and accuses Finland of refusing to engage in dialogue on the issue. All eight Finland-Russia border crossing points for people have been closed since December 15, with only the southeastern rail checkpoint for cargo trains in Vainikkala remaining open for now.