Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that official talks with Russia about the border situation are not planned as political discussions, yet diplomatic level dialogue remains on the table. The comments were reported by the TV channel So.
“We are prepared to discuss at the diplomatic level. There have been no political talks with Russia since Russia attacked Ukraine,” Orpo remarked.
The prime minister emphasized that formal political contacts with the Russian Federation will not resume until the conflict in Ukraine is resolved.
Earlier, Orpo signaled that Finland intends to send a clear signal to Russia regarding immigration pressures at the border. He accused Moscow of provoking the migrant crisis.
In response, Finland’s border authorities said negotiations with Russia on allowing crossings have not yielded a solution that stabilizes the situation. The ministry noted that Moscow maintains that it cannot block third-country nationals from approaching the border.
At present, only one border checkpoint is operating between Russia and Finland — Raya-Jooseppi, known as Lotta in the Murmansk region. Finland explained the closure was caused by the surge of arrivals from Africa and the Middle East.
What’s happening at the border
On November 23, Andrey Chibis, the governor of the Murmansk Region, expressed concern about the influx of migrants. Foreign arrivals attempted to cross into Finland but were stopped along the way. The regional head announced the creation of additional entry points on the region’s fringe, and temporary shelter facilities were opened for refugees.
On November 24, he reported that 55 refugees at the closed Salla checkpoint would be moved to the remaining open crossing, while about 200 people would be relocated to St. Petersburg. Buses to St. Petersburg were organized, and many chose to remain in Russia. The governor stated that the refugees possess the required documents and permits to stay in the Russian Federation.
European agency Frontex announced a plan to deploy 50 border guards and other personnel to the Finland–Russia border to support border control measures.
Closing the checkpoint
There are nine checkpoints along the Russia–Finland border in total. On the night of November 18, Finland closed four: Vaalimaa (linked to the Russian checkpoint Torfyanovka), Nuyamaa (Lingonberry), Imatra (Svetogorsk), and Niirala (Värtsilä). Three of these are located in the Leningrad region, with another in Karelia.
In Helsinki, Russians living in the country organized a rally at the parliament and prepared a signature campaign urging the reopening of checkpoints.
A few days later, Prime Minister Orpo announced the closure of all points except Raja-Jooseppi. He argued the move was meant to safeguard Finnish citizens. Checkpoints were kept closed until at least February 23, 2024.
Helsinki accused Moscow of deliberately triggering the migration situation. Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, stated that a report had been presented to the Russian side and that there was no prior consultation on the checkpoint closures.
[Citation: This summary reflects statements and actions reported by regional authorities and official briefings related to border management decisions and international responses. The information below consolidates reported events and official positions as of late 2023.]