A protest rally took place in Lappeenranta, a Finnish border city, amid debates over Finland’s border policy with Russia. Local media reported the gathering as a response to the decision to keep the border closed for travel between the two countries. The event drew a mix of residents and expatriates, with accounts indicating that the majority of demonstrators were Russians living in Finland and holding dual passports from both Finland and Russia.
One participant explained that relatives in the Russian Federation are unable to visit their family in Finland because the border remains closed. In the same city, a separate demonstration supported the border restrictions, drawing a smaller crowd of around ten people.
On December 14, the border between Russia and Finland reopened on the first day after the earlier closure. Two border checkpoints resumed operation. Helsinki and St. Petersburg were mentioned as part of plans to restart cross-border traffic, including a tourist bus service between St. Petersburg and Helsinki. However, the following day saw a pause at the Vaalimaa and Niirala checkpoints as authorities managed an influx of refugees and adjusted operations.
A report dated December 17 noted an individual who crossed into Finnish territory illegally through forested terrain near the Vaalimaa checkpoint area. The incident underscored ongoing concerns about border control and refugee movements in the region.
Meanwhile, state leaders and officials in Russia and Finland continued to discuss the practical and political implications of the border measures. Official statements from the Kremlin touched on bilateral relations, signaling an interest in stabilizing ties while balancing security considerations with cross-border movement and humanitarian needs. The Finnish authorities emphasized the responsibility to manage border traffic in a way that safeguards public order while facilitating legitimate travel and assistance for those affected by the closures and reopenings.
Across the border communities, residents weighed the impact of the evolving policy. Local businesses, families with relatives on the other side, and travelers faced shifting schedules and uncertain plans as checkpoints opened and closed, sometimes within short windows. The situation highlighted how border policy can ripple through regional economies, social life, and family ties, prompting ongoing public discussion about security, humanitarian responsibilities, and international cooperation in northern Europe.