On February 13, the Estonian Police and Border Guard disclosed a potential closure of its borders with Russia, attributing the drastic measure to escalating migration pressures.
The authorities have observed a strategic maneuver by Russia, funneling groups of foreigners without the requisite EU entry permissions towards Estonia.
Finland Seals Its Borders due to Escalating Migration Pressure
"If these activities continue, we will be forced to close border crossing points to protect national security and public order, as has already been done in Finland due to migration pressure," the statement reads.
Finland has temporarily shut down all its eight border crossings with Russia until at least April 14, reacting to a significant rise in asylum seekers from countries such as Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia, and Yemen via Russia.
The majority of these migrants are trying to enter Finland without the necessary legal documents.
"We have seen no signs that Russia is changing its behavior. On the contrary, the information we have received confirms our assessment that Russia is continuing its hybrid operation," stated the Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen earlier this month.
Closing the borders also stops any asylum applications for international protection at Russia's borders.
Russia is using the movement of people to put pressure on Finland and its eastern European neighbors.
