The statement described the claim that Russia deliberately directed irregular immigrants to the Finnish border as a “provocation” and said: “The situation that emerged when immigrants crossed the border to obtain asylum in the territory of this country and the claim that Russia had conscious actions in organizing such flows.” It is a clear provocation. “The closure of checkpoints violates the rights and interests of tens of thousands of citizens of our countries.”
FINLAND HELD RUSSIA RESPONSIBLE
Finland, which has a 1,340-kilometer common border with Russia, closed 4 border gates on November 18 to stop illegal crossings. Finnish President Sauli Niinistö claimed that Russia was encouraging illegal immigration across the borders in order to “take revenge” against Finland’s defense agreement with the United States.
