Finland closes border with Russia

Finland on Tuesday announced it would close its border with Russia for two weeks in the wake of a uptick in border crossers seeking asylum in the Nordic country.

The country joined NATO earlier this year amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine, a move that has substantially heightened tensions between Moscow and Helsinki.

Finnish authorities and NATO officials have accused Moscow of using migration to pressure Finland, which Russia denies, according to Politico.

"This is Russia’s influence activity, and we do not accept that," Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said.

It does not appear to be Russians primarily entering the country, however, and media reports have suggested that Moscow is issuing visas to east African migrants to come to Russia and claim asylum in Finland.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.