Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
The European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, has announced plans to deploy 50 officers to assist Finland in managing its border amidst a surge in asylum seekers from Russia.
In a statement, Frontex said, “In addition to border guard officers and other staff, the agency would send equipment such as patrol cars to bolster Finland’s border control activities.”
Frontex’s support comes as more than 600 asylum seekers, primarily from conflict-ridden nations like Yemen, Afghanistan, and Syria, have crossed into Finland in recent weeks. Frontex head Hans Leijtens said, “This collaboration shows that when facing complex border issues, Europe stands united, offering support through tangible actions.”
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has openly accused Russia of orchestrating the migrant influx, stating, “Undoubtedly Russia is instrumentalizing migrants as part of its hybrid warfare against Finland.” This opinion is shared by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen, who echoed the Prime Minister’s concerns, attributing the situation to Russia’s tactical moves against Finland after its NATO entry.
The situation at Finland’s border mirrors similar incidents on the EU’s eastern borders, where neighboring countries faced increased pressures due to migrant movements allegedly orchestrated by Russia and Belarus. These accusations are denied by the Kremlin, with them labeling it as “propaganda.”