The Finnish press reports isolated cottages in the countryside suddenly appearing to belong to more than twenty Russian citizens at once. An entry strategy attributed to Charly Salonius, a Finnish political analyst, points to visa pathways that let foreigners connected to property gain entry. This observation comes from EL PERIÓDICO DE ESPAÑA, a member of the Prensa Ibérica group and the outlet that covered the development.
Finland, sharing a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia, is seeing a flow of Russians fleeing the prospect of conscription in Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine. At the weekend’s height, admissions neared 9,000 in a single day. Some travelers eventually return to other European destinations. Official figures show 7,743 Russians arrived in Finland on Monday, while 3,662 departed.
Traffic along Finland’s eastern frontier has remained heavy since last Wednesday. Border officers emphasize thorough checks with every crossing and remain vigilant for any shifts in the situation. Regular updates are anticipated in coming days via official channels and social posts from border authorities.
— Rajavartiolaitos, September 26, 2022
One local resident told a national paper that the government intends to tighten arrivals from Russia and within the Schengen area. Helsinki had previously capped Russian visa issuances at a tenth of prewar levels. Yet those who already possess visas or who obtain visas through consulates of other nations can still travel. The core issue is that most entrants hold visas issued by Spain, Greece, or Cyprus, and visa policy alone will not fully curb arrivals.
In official remarks, the Finnish Foreign Minister stated the country does not want to become a transit route for Russians holding visas from other states within the Schengen area. A firm stance was adopted to regulate transit through visa choices while balancing humanitarian considerations.
Spain maintains a relatively permissive stance on visa issuance for Russians, with no formal quota. Following the 2007 visa facilitation agreement, certain privileges were simplified, but applicants now face standard procedures, including interviews to assess travel purpose and eligibility. A state department data brief on Russian visa issuance was not available at the time of reporting.
Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares rejected the notion of an avalanche of Russian visa requests to Spain. He clarified that Spain remains open to Russians who seek safety due to political repression or risk to life, particularly in the wake of the mobilization announcement last Wednesday. Individual assessments will continue under existing interview procedures, with criteria applied on a case-by-case basis.
Citizenship and asylum decisions are handled through personalized reviews. The media did not publish a detailed list of criteria applied to each case, and the process hinges on individual circumstances and documented risks or opposition activity prior to mobilization.
controversial ban
On September 19, the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania) and Poland halted new Schengen visa issuances to Russian citizens, effectively closing border access for many at the regional level. The decision was framed as a matter of national security and the integrity of the Schengen area, with asylum requests permitted only if convincingly justified.
The move sparked intense debate. Some argued it would tighten mobilization pressure by limiting entry, while others questioned the morality and practicality of blanket rejections. Should asylum be offered only to those who can demonstrate imminent danger or political persecution? The debate touched on the balance between security and humanitarian obligation, and on the challenges of applying such measures consistently across diverse cases.
In the Baltic states, concerns about security risks have been voiced by policymakers and analysts. The region with a population of roughly 1.3 million, including about 80,000 ethnic Russians in Estonia, fears that a large influx could be exploited to influence political dynamics. Analysts warn that maintaining the integrity of borders requires vigilance against hybrid influence and the instrumental use of a sizable minority to shape regional outcomes.
The Finnish analyst Salonius notes a broader debate within Finland as Russian arrivals potentially rise. Asylum requests must be thoroughly evaluated, with proof of prior opposition to mobilization or proven risk factors required. The mere possibility of employment or economic opportunity is not, on its own, a sufficient basis for asylum or protection.
Similarly, the broader security landscape implies that limited admission, careful screening, and case-specific decisions remain crucial for maintaining regional stability and protecting national interests while respecting human rights.