Finland to keep Russian border shut, extend contested law

Finland’s government said Thursday it plans to keep its border with Russia closed and extend a controversial law allowing border guards to turn away asylum seekers under certain circumstances.

The one-year “Act on Temporary Measures to Combat Instrumentalized Migration” entered into force on July 22, 2024, after a surge in asylum seekers arriving at Finland’s eastern border with Russia in 2023.

Helsinki has claimed it was orchestrated by Russia -- a charge the Kremlin has denied. Finland closed its border crossings as a result.