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Finland notifies Russia about closure of last border checkpoint — diplomat

The Finnish side noted that the restrictions would remain in place until December 14

MOSCOW, November 29. /TASS/. Finland has informed Russia that it is shuttering the last functioning border checkpoint between the countries on November 30, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said at a briefing.

"Today, on November 29, our country officially received a note from the Finnish Embassy in Moscow, notifying the Russian side of the Finnish authorities’ decision to shut down the northernmost border crossing point, Raja-Jooseppi. Thus, all checkpoints on the Russian-Finnish border will be closed," she said.

According to Zakharova, the Finnish side noted that the restrictions would remain in place until December 14.

The Yle news portal reported on November 27 that Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said that the last functioning checkpoint on the border with Russia, Raja-Jooseppi (Lotta on the Russian side), would be shut down. All border crossings on the border with Russia will remain closed from November 30 through December 13. Spokesman for the Finnish Border Guard Matti Sarasmaa specified that rail service between Finland and Russia will not be interrupted. Reuters, citing the Finnish government, said that the border restrictions will not affect freight traffic.

Overnight on November 18, Finland closed four crossing points on the border with Russia (Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala) due to the inflow of "citizens from third countries." On November 22, the Finnish government decided to shut down three of the four remaining border crossings into Russia, making an exception for the Raja-Jooseppi checkpoint. However, the Finnish authorities did not rule out a complete closure of border checkpoints if the flow of illegal migrants does not subside. The Finnish prime minister said that, if necessary, his country may shut down the entire border with Russia.

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Foreign policy Finland Maria Zakharova

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