Cars participated in a speed contest during the boundary opening event with Russia, attracting a total of 100 vehicles.
In the heart of Europe, Finland's land border with Russia remains closed, a move that was initiated on 30 November 2023 due to escalating tensions and security concerns. The closure, which has been in effect for over a year now, shows no signs of being lifted in the near future.
The decision to close the border was met with various reactions, with nine Russian citizens living in Finland filing complaints, claiming the closure violates their rights. These complaints were brought before the European Court of Human Rights, but as of early August 2025, no rulings have led to Finland reopening the border.
One notable event that drew attention was the auto rally held in the Finnish city of Lappeenranta in 2024. Organised by local council deputy Ivan Devyatkin, the rally was in support of reopening the border with Russia. The convoy, consisting of at least 100 vehicles, proceeded to the Nuijamaa border checkpoint, a bustling point before the border closure in 2023.
The rally, however, was not without controversy. The Russian Foreign Ministry considered it a display of Western double standards, while some believed it violated their right to freedom of religion. Despite these concerns, the rally was approved by the police.
Ivan Devyatkin, one of the event's organisers, stated that the rally was to see loved ones, relatives, family, and beloved ones. He confirmed the rally to RIA Novosti, but no new information was provided about the rally or its organiser.
The auto rally in Lappeenranta, along with the legal disputes at the European Court of Human Rights, has not swayed Finland's stance on the border closure. Finnish authorities and the government have emphasised security considerations and the need to control illegal immigration and other threats as reasons to maintain the border closure.
Moreover, Finland has built the first 35 km of a fence on its border with Russia, further solidifying its commitment to border security. In April, the European Court of Human Rights asked Finland to explain the border closure, but the country has yet to provide a comprehensive response.
As the geopolitical tensions persist, Finland's border with Russia remains closed, a testament to the country's resolve to ensure its security in a challenging global climate. For more details, you can refer to the "Gazeta.Ru" article.
[1] Source: European Court of Human Rights, Finnish Government Press Releases, Finnish Border Guard Reports. [4] Source: Finnish Border Guard, European Court of Human Rights, Finnish Government Press Releases.
- Despite the auto rally in Lappeenranta advocating for reopening the Finnish-Russian border, sports events like racing, such as the auto rally, have not swayed Finland's decision to maintain the border closure, with the government emphasizing security considerations and the need to control illegal immigration and other threats.
- Organized in support of reopening the Finnish-Russian border, the auto rally in Lappeenranta in 2024 turned into a racing event, with at least 100 vehicles participating, symbolizing the overwhelming desire of Russians living in Finland to reunite with their loved ones across the closed border.
