Finland Shuts Last Border Crossing With Russia; Estonia Considers Following Suit

Helsinki says the move comes in response to Moscow’s alleged weaponization of migrant inflows to Europe.

Border fence with Russia in Pelkola, Finland, on April 14, 2023. Janis Laizans/Reuters

New NATO member Finland has closed its last remaining border crossing with Russia over concern that Moscow was helping third-country migrants to reach the border in an act labeled by Helsinki as “hybrid warfare.”

The border action may soon be matched by longstanding alliance member Estonia.