Finland has inaugurated a 200-kilometer-long fence, built in sections along its border with Russia, in another move that underscores the high tensions between Helsinki and Moscow. Finnish authorities say the barrier aims to prevent migrants from being used as an instrument of pressure and destabilization.
According to Finnish public broadcaster Yle, construction of the fence took four years and cost around 356 million euros.
Finland closed its 1.340-kilometer border with Russia in December 2023 after more than 1.300 visa-free migrants arrived at the border crossings. Helsinki accused Moscow of deliberately facilitating the movement of third-country nationals to the Finnish border, calling it a form of “hybrid warfare.” The Kremlin has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Since the border closure, the situation has remained generally calm, with only isolated cases of illegal crossings recorded. However, Helsinki warns that this could change at any moment.
"The situation today is calm, but tense, and we do not know what tomorrow may bring," declared Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, near the Nuijamaa border crossing.
According to her, Finland must be prepared for an immediate change in the situation on the eastern border.
The fence reaches up to 4,5 meters high in areas considered strategic and is equipped with cameras and sensors for border surveillance. However, it only covers part of the long border line between Finland and Russia.
"This is part of our border security system and helps us with surveillance, but also enables us, if necessary, to prevent people from entering Finnish territory," Rantanen said.
The border reinforcement comes after a historic shift in Finland's security policy. The country joined NATO in April 2023, ending a long-standing policy of military non-commitment, a decision that significantly strained relations with Moscow.
Similar security measures have been taken by other countries on NATO's eastern flank. Latvia, Lithuania and Poland have erected barriers along their borders with Belarus, while Estonia has reinforced its border with Russia.
