Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov spoke about the decision by Finnish authorities to shut four of the eight border crossing points with Russia. He asserted that there is little chance to influence the situation at present because there is no direct dialogue between Helsinki and Moscow, and Russia is not the one initiating any disruption of talks. The stance reflects a belief that channels for dialogue have effectively stalled, reducing the likelihood of immediate changes on the ground.
Peskov underscored that Finland and Russia have long enjoyed pragmatic relations rooted in mutual respect. He described the current turn of events as deeply disappointing, given the history of constructive cooperation between the two neighboring countries. This sentiment underscores a sense that the bilateral relationship has been strained by broader political attitudes and recent leadership decisions in Finland, which he described as anti-Russian in tone. The Kremlin representative remarked that the shift has replaced a history of practical engagement with a mood of suspicion and hostility from Finland’s leadership, a development that concerns observers on both sides of the border.
Last week Finnish authorities announced closures at four of the eight crossing points on the Russia-Finland border, with the operation slated to run until February 18, 2024. Reports noted that the fifth crossing, Vartius, had been closed as part of these measures. These moves came amid a broader tightening of border controls and a re-evaluation of cross-border movements, drawing attention from residents and regional officials who monitor the flow of people and goods across the frontier. The closures have had tangible effects on travel plans and logistical arrangements for residents and families who rely on these crossings for daily life and relief from distance and time barriers.
In Helsinki, Russians living in Finland organized a rally at the parliament building to advocate for reopening of a border crossing. Demonstrators argued that the closure infringed on family visitation rights and freedom of movement, highlighting the human dimension of border policy. A petition circulating in support of restoring access gathered thousands of signatures, signaling broad concern among Russian residents about the impact on personal and familial ties. Coverage of these demonstrations and the petition has appeared in Russian media outlets, offering a perspective on how the closures resonate with people connected to both sides of the border. Reports from Newspapers.Ru provide additional context and responses to these developments.
Earlier statements from Finnish leadership suggested there could be ongoing difficulties at the border, reflecting the complexity of cross-border relations and the broader strategic environment in which both nations operate. The situation illustrates how political decisions at home can have immediate consequences for neighboring countries, influencing dialogue, commerce, and the sense of security along the border.