Finland closes passenger border crossings with Russia
NBCNov 28, 2023
The Facts
Finland has temporarily closed seven of its eight passenger border crossings with Russia, accusing Moscow of intentionally pushing asylum seekers to the Nordic country.
More than 700 migrants from countries including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia have reportedly entered Finland via Russia in November, compared with just a few dozen in September and October.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The Kremlin is weaponizing migration as part of a systematic and organized action to punish Finland for joining NATO. Helsinki has no choice but to combat Moscow's aggression and defend itself from all forms of Russian threats.
Pro-Russia narrative
By leveling baseless accusations against Russia and erecting concrete obstacles topped with barbed wire in the name of fortifying its border defenses, Finland is infringing on the rights and interests of tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border, including its own citizens who are separated from their families in Russia.
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