Finland pushing back 'weaponised migration' on Russia border
France 24Nov 23, 2023
Finland has temporarily closed seven of its eight passenger border crossings with Russia, accusing Moscow of intentionally pushing asylum seekers to the Nordic country.
More than 700 migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia have reportedly entered Finland via Russia in November, compared with just a few dozen in September and October.
The Kremlin is weaponizing migration as part of a systematic and organized action to punish Finland for joining NATO. Helsinki has no choice but to combat Moscow's aggression and defend itself from all forms of Russian threats.
By leveling baseless accusations against Russia and erecting concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire in the name of fortifying its border defenses, Finland is infringing on the rights and interests of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, including its own citizens who are separated from their families in Russia.