Finland Permanently Closes "Inari" and "Parikkala" Border Crossings With Russia

The Border Service of Finland has permanently closed the temporary border crossing points  "Inari" and "Parikkala" on the border with Russia and is now removing the signs.

This was reported by the Yle outlet citing the Border Service of Finland.

The publication recalls that the “Inari” border crossing was closed from November 1, 2021, followed by the closing of the “Parikkala” crossing on April 19, 2022. These closures were implemented due to restrictions on the export of Russian timber at the time.

"The decision does not change the current situation in any way and will not affect the local residents. This was the final decision to close the ‘Inari’ checkpoint," said Samuli Murtonen, deputy commander of the North Karelia Border Service.

On November 30, 2023, Finland closed all checkpoints along its border with Russia. Later in April 2024, the Finnish government decided to keep its border with Russia closed indefinitely as part of its efforts to address a hybrid migration crisis.

Earlier, on October 21, the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board were preparing to install a chain of blade buoys on the water border with Russia.