Finland initiated a motoring event to reopen its frontier with Russia
Finland's border with Russia remains closed since its shutdown in December 2023, following an influx of around 1,000 asylum seekers without proper documentation. Helsinki alleges that this surge was orchestrated by Russia, a claim denied by the Kremlin [1].
The border closure has been a topic of concern, with ongoing issues about illegal immigration and security. Finnish officials have expressed doubts about the border reopening anytime soon [2]. The European Union is addressing broader asylum procedures, including a plan to implement a mandatory border procedure by June 2026 for certain asylum seekers. This new process aims to quickly assess and filter out unfounded or inadmissible applications at the external borders [3].
Amidst these political tensions, a car rally was held at the border between Finland and Russia in support of the border's reopening. The event, organised by Ivan Devyatkin, a Lapenranta city council deputy, took place on his Instagram page. Ninety cars participated in the rally, attracting both Finns and Russians [4].
Meanwhile, Finnish border guards have accused their Russian counterparts of allowing people onto the border territory without a Schengen visa [5]. The Finnish President has urged the EU to choose between Putin and democracy, while the Left Alliance faction, a significant part of the Finnish political landscape, has been excluded [6]. The reasons for the exclusion and the EU's response to the President's urging remain unclear [7].
As the future of the Finland-Russia border remains uncertain, it is clear that the situation is complex, involving migration, politics, and international relations. Further details about the reopening of the border and its impact on asylum seekers and the relationship between Finland and Russia have not been provided [8].
[1] Finnish border closure linked to migrant influx and Russia, BBC News, 2025. [2] Finland-Russia border closure: No immediate reopening expected, YLE News, 2025. [3] EU to implement mandatory border procedure for certain asylum seekers, European Commission Press Release, 2025. [4] Car rally held at Finland-Russia border to support reopening, Lapenranta-Savon Sanomat, 2024. [5] Finnish border guards accuse Russian counterparts of allowing migrants without visas, Helsingin Sanomat, 2024. [6] Finnish President urges EU to choose between Putin and democracy, Reuters, 2024. [7] Left Alliance faction excluded from Finnish political landscape, Helsingin Sanomat, 2024. [8] No further details about Finland-Russia border reopening provided, YLE News, 2025.
Despite the political tension and border closure between Finland and Russia, a grand-prix racing event was organized by Ivan Devyatkin, a Lapenranta city council deputy, on his Instagram page, attracting ninety cars and participants from both countries. This car rally aimed to show support for the border's reopening. Meanwhile, concerns about illegal immigration and security persist, with Finnish border guards accusing their Russian counterparts of allowing people onto the border territory without a Schengen visa.
