A group of Russian citizens staged a rally in Helsinki, gathering in front of the Finnish government to protest the closure of four border checkpoints along the border with Russia. The gathering reflected mounting concern over travel restrictions that affect family visits and cross-border mobility.
A participant voiced that the border closures limit the ability to meet with loved ones. He called on authorities to consider a more flexible approach that would preserve family connections while addressing security concerns.
Protesters carried signs urging Finland to rethink its decision to shut the border and to seek alternate arrangements that would maintain humanitarian and familial ties without compromising safety and border management.
The event was coordinated with local police in Helsinki and drew an estimated crowd of about 300 people. The turnout demonstrated sustained public interest in cross-border movement and the impact of policy on ordinary citizens.
Official data from the Finnish Statistics Service show that a sizable number of Russian citizens hold dual citizenship, highlighting the diverse and interconnected nature of cross-border communities in the region.
A petition circulating ahead of the demonstrations reported around 4,500 signatures, with Finns contributing roughly 3,800 signatures in support of relaxing restrictions on crossing the border with Russia. The momentum behind the petition indicated broad public engagement on the issue within both sides of the border region.
On 16 November, the Finnish prime minister announced that the closure of the four border gates on the Russian border was a response to the evolving refugee situation. The gates at Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra, and Niirala ceased operations late on the evening of Saturday, 18 November. Bus services between Saint Petersburg and Helsinki were canceled, while several border crossings remained open in northern Finland to preserve essential cross-border traffic and connectivity.
Earlier statements indicated that barriers would be installed at border points between Finland and Russia, a measure designed to regulate flow while monitoring security and humanitarian concerns at the frontier.