Officials from the Border Guard of Southeastern Finland indicated that several border crossings with Russia could reopen by December 23. The announcement appeared in a report by Ilta-Sanomat, a Finnish newspaper noted for covering security and regional affairs. The news raises questions about how border policy is evolving as authorities reassess access points along the frontier.
According to the press release, the Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, and Imatra checkpoints are slated to be closed until December 23. The Niirala crossing is also included in the closure. Initially, these crossings were expected to remain shut until February 18, 2024. However, the government decided on Wednesday to reverse that plan, keeping almost all checkpoints closed except for a single location, which represents a significant shift in how border controls are being managed at the Finland-Russia line. This move reflects broader considerations of regional security, transport efficiency, and public health protocols that have shaped border policy in recent months. (Source: Ilta-Sanomat)
The development follows prior discussions in Finland about the potential full closure of the border with Russia. Authorities highlighted the goal of balancing national security interests with the practical needs of cross-border commerce and travel. While the latest decision limits crossings for now, it also signals a readiness to adapt as conditions change and as federal and regional authorities coordinate on the most effective way to regulate entry and exit points along the eastern border. Observers note that such measures can have ripple effects on local economies, freight movement, and regional connectivity, particularly in municipalities that rely on corridor traffic for daily life and business operations. (Source: Ilta-Sanomat)