Finnish border guards report new routes from Russia — Interia

The Finnish Border Guard reported that an increasing number of people attempting to enter Finland illegally from the Russian Federation — the aggressor state — have military experience and skills for moving through difficult terrain. As Interia reports, citing Yle, these people are seeking new routes along sections of the eastern border where no fence has been built.

The Yle programme also said that some of those trying to leave Russia are fleeing recruitment for the front in Ukraine.

The fence covers about 15% of the border

Last month, Finnish authorities announced the completion of construction of a metal border fence. Its total length is about 200 kilometres — approximately 15% of Finland’s 1,300-kilometre border with Russia.

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The 3.5-metre-high barrier is topped with barbed wire. According to Colonel Matti Pitkaniitty of the Border Guard headquarters, the 140-kilometre fence in the country’s southeast, near the main crossing points of Imatra and Lappeenranta, has a deterrent effect. Another approximately 30 kilometres of fencing have been installed in Karelia, north of this section.

The border was closed at the end of 2023

Finland closed its entire eastern border in December 2023 after about a thousand migrants from third countries, who intended to seek asylum, arrived in the country from Russia in the autumn. Some of them initially crossed the border by bicycle despite winter conditions.

The actual construction of the fence began in 2024 and, according to Finnish authorities, was completed on schedule.