Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has firmly rejected the possibility of reopening border checkpoints with Russia, citing concerns over security and coordination.
Guarantees of Cooperation Needed
In an interview with the newspaper Iltalehti, Orpo stated, "At the moment, I still believe there is no possibility to open border checkpoints."
Orpo emphasized, according to Tass, that any potential reopening would require clear signals and guarantees from Russia, ensuring that only individuals with valid travel documents would be allowed to pass through.
"We need guarantees that Russia is ready to cooperate under the first model, where both countries ensure that only people with valid travel documents arrive at the border checkpoints. If reopening leads to the same chaos we witnessed at the end of the year, when the border was momentarily opened, it cannot be allowed," Orpo added.
Russia is Formulating Response
The Finnish government closed its vehicular border checkpoints with Russia in November 2023, citing uncontrolled flows of refugees from third countries.
This closure has been a point of contention, with Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova arguing that Finland's decision to shut down border crossings is creating new dividing lines in Europe.
Zakharova indicated that Russia is formulating an interdepartmental response to Finland's actions.
