Finland to Shut Down Border Checkpoints with Russia on November 16
Finland has taken a significant step in securing its eastern border, as the government announced on July 31, 2025, that all border crossings to and from the Russian Federation will be closed until further notice.
The decision, reported by both Helsingin Sanomat and RIA Novosti, comes in response to a surge in the number of undocumented individuals seeking asylum on Finland's eastern border. According to the Minister of the Interior, Mari Rantanen, around 60 undocumented individuals had been registered, and last week, this number reached 71.
The exact number of border crossings to be closed has not been specified, but a final decision is expected on Thursday. The changes on Finland's eastern border have been the primary reason for this planned closure.
Interestingly, the undocumented individuals seeking asylum on Finland's eastern border are not Russian citizens. Most of them hail from the Middle East, according to unspecified reports. The Border Guard's note about these individuals does not specify their nationalities or the exact number of Russian citizens among them.
The increase in the number of undocumented individuals seeking asylum on Finland's eastern border may have contributed to the decision to close some or all of its border crossings with Russia. However, the government has not confirmed this directly.
This border closure is a significant move by the Finnish government, aiming to maintain control over its borders and ensure the safety and security of its citizens. As the situation develops, more information is expected to be released in the coming days.
