The unstable situation on the border between Russia and Finland forces the European border protection agency, Frontex, to send reinforcements there. 50 border guards and other staff will reportedly be sent to Finland amid a worrying increase in border crossings from neighboring Russia.
The huge influx of asylum seekers has prompted Helsinki to close all but one of its crossing points along the 1,340 km long border. Finland accuses Moscow of systematic and organized facilitation of illegal immigrants with the aim of destabilizing the country. Russia denies the allegations.
" Finland cannot be influenced. Finland cannot be destabilized…Russia started this and Russia must stop it. "
Petteri Orpo- Prime Minister of Finland
Frontex said in a statement that the reinforcements will be sent next week and, in addition to border guards and other staff, will include equipment such as patrol cars "to increase the control of activities at the Finnish border".
The head of Frontex, Hans Leijtens, did not mention Russia by name, but said in a statement that the agency is strengthening support for Finland, which is facing " hybrid challenges" .
Finland has a border of 1,300 kilometers with Russia. Helsinki's relations with Moscow have deteriorated since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine last year, prompting Finland to join the NATO alliance in April.
On Wednesday, Moscow denounced as a Russophobic act the placement of a damaged Russian tank near the parliament in Helsinki. (A2 Televizion)
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