Top Finnish politicians on Saturday weighed in on the flows of migrants arriving on the eastern frontier. Finnish authorities have said they suspect the sudden increase in asylum-seeking migrants may be down to a hybrid operation by Russia.
SDP Chair Antti Lindtman on Saturday told Yle that Russia's intention was to undermine Finland in various ways while diverting attention away from Ukraine.
So far this month, some 800 people arriving via the eastern border have applied for asylum. Lindtman said it was important to show Russia that the events at the border do not make an impact.
Around 55 border crossers had arrived at the Raja-Jooseppi checkpoint by Saturday afternoon, according to Finnish officials. These migrants were from Yemen, India, Morocco, Syria and Algeria.
"The EU could contribute 100,000 euros to a peace fund for each person crossing the border," he suggested.
The European Peace Facility (EPF) Lindtman referred to aims to manage crises in the bloc's neighbouring regions. At the moment the fund supports Ukraine.
Lindtman said the SDP, the main opposition party, supports the government's decision to close all but one crossing point on the eastern border. He noted that Finland should consider closing the only remaining border station, Raja-Jooseppi, if asylum-seeking migrants continue to cross the border.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo on Saturday told Helsingin Sanomat that Finland will not negotiate with Russia regarding the arrivals on the eastern border.
"We're prepared to engage in diplomatic discussions. There has been no political dialogue with Russia since their invasion of Ukraine," Orpo told the paper, adding that the situation will not change until the war of aggression in Ukraine ends.
This week's All Points North podcast asks why Finland has struggled to close the border, and what its obligations are to those seeking asylum. Listen to the episode via this embedded player, on Yle Areena, Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
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