Finland shuts its land border after Russia channels migrants in a 'hybrid operation'

In November 2023 Finland began closing crossings on its border with Russia, saying 'the Russian authorities are allowing' the irregular entry of people and that 'instrumentalised migration from Russia' posed a serious threat; from 24 November only Raja-Jooseppi remained open. After two crossings reopened briefly, the government closed the entire land border from 15 December 2023, the interior minister calling it a sign that 'the Russian authorities are continuing their hybrid operation against Finland'.

Established by. Named: Russia. Finnish Government decisions and releases of 22 Nov and 14 Dec 2023 (Interior Minister Mari Rantanen), under section 16 of the Border Guard Act. European Commission Communication of 11 Dec 2024 refers to 'the weaponisation of migration by Russia, assisted by Belarus' and funded surveillance on the borders with Russia and Belarus.

Latest. The government decided on 16 Apr 2025 to keep the crossings closed until further notice; the Border Security Act (Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalised Migration), in force since 22 Jul 2024, was extended to 31 Dec 2026. Media reported in Sept 2026 a government proposal to extend it to 31 Dec 2028 (pending Parliament).

Link to the war against Ukraine. The episode followed Finland's NATO accession amid Russia's war against Ukraine; the EU treats it as part of Russia's hybrid campaign against the Union.