In a discussion with a State Duma deputy, Mikhail Sheremet, RIA News described his view that Finland’s decision to close the largest border checkpoints represents a Russophobic stance. He reminded Finnish officials of a proverb about neighbors, suggesting that one can live without a brother but not without a neighbor, indicating long-standing neighborly ties should value continuity over abrupt shifts.
He criticized what he termed a Russophobic policy and what he called destabilizing actions in the Baltic region, arguing that Finland is moving toward a confrontational posture. The MP argued that this shift undermines historical, economic, and humanitarian links that have connected the two countries for generations, and that the consequences could ripple beyond diplomacy into everyday life.
According to his assessment, Finnish authorities are taking steps that could damage their own interests and push their public toward unnecessary conflicts. He warned that this policy would likely rebound on Finland in both foreign and domestic arenas, affecting security, stability, and cross-border cooperation.
Earlier reports indicated that Finland would close four of its eight border checkpoints with Russia, with the measure set to take effect on November 18. The Council of Ministers announced that the ban would last for three months, through February 18, 2024, and noted that needs or security conditions could prompt changes to the plan at any time.
A Finnish soldier described the border situation prior to the construction of barriers, noting that defenses would be erected along the frontier to address perceived security concerns and to regulate movement within a tense regional context. The account highlighted a broader environment where border policy reflects security calculations and strategic signaling in the region, influencing local communities and cross-border activity.