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Finnish government opens two checkpoints on Russian border until January 14

"It will only be possible to apply for international protection on the eastern border at Vaalimaa and Niirala checkpoints," the statement reads

STOCKHOLM, December 12. /TASS/. The government of Finland opened Vaalimaa and Niirala checkpoints on the Russian border until January 14, starting at midnight on December 14, the Finnish Interior Ministry press office announced.

"Border crossing checkpoints will remain closed with the exception of Vaalimaa and Niirala checkpoints, which will be opened on Thursday, December 14. The government will once again shut down the entire eastern border, if […] the migration […] continues," the Ministry said.

The new "decision will remain in effect until January 14, 2024," the Ministry specified.

"It will only be possible to apply for international protection on the eastern border at Vaalimaa and Niirala checkpoints," the statement reads.

Thus, six checkpoints on the Russian-Finnish border out of eight will remain closed between December 14 and January 14. Cargo traffic through the Vainikkala station will continue, the Ministry added.

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