NATO country to shut down frontier with Russia- Analysis

Finland will close its eastern border with Russia, including the last open checkpoint, for two weeks, according to Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. This closure is due to an increase in incoming migration that Helsinki claims was initiated by Moscow in response to Finland’s accession to NATO. The Raja-Jooseppi crossing, located above the Arctic Circle, will be closed until December 13. The Finnish border guard has been instructed to redirect new arrivals to airports and ports, where they can apply for asylum. However, the UN refugee agency representative warns that this action is contrary to international law.

Prime Minister Orpo has alleged that Russia is assisting asylum-seekers in reaching the Finnish border and justified the closure based on this claim. Russia has denied these allegations and stated that Finland did not attempt to resolve the migration issue diplomatically. Russia has lodged a formal complaint, accusing Helsinki of violating the rights and interests of both Finns and Russians. Over 600 migrants have arrived at the Finnish border this month, a significant increase compared to the usual numbers. President Sauli Niinisto has called on the EU to address uncontrolled migration into the Schengen area.

Credibility of Sources:
– The original article is from RT, a Russian state-funded media outlet known for its bias towards the Russian government. This source is not considered highly credible or independent.
– Additional sources were not provided in the article.

Presentation of Facts:
– The article presents the closure of Finland’s border and the reasons behind it.
– It includes quotes from Finnish officials and Russian officials to present both sides of the issue.
– Facts about the number of migrants arriving at the border and their origin countries are mentioned.

Biases:
– The original article is from RT, which is known for its pro-Russian bias.
– The presentation of the issue appears to heavily favor Finland’s perspective, with quotes from Finnish officials supporting the assertion that Russia initiated the migration issue.

Potential Misinformation:
– It is important to critically evaluate RT’s reporting due to its reputation for spreading disinformation and propaganda aligned with the Russian government’s interests.
– The claim that Russia is assisting asylum-seekers is presented without credible evidence.
– The accusation that Helsinki violated the rights and interests of Finns and Russians is not substantiated with specific details.

Impact of Information:
– The article may contribute to a negative perception of Russia and reinforce existing biases against the country.
– The allegation that Russia is using migration as a retaliation tactic may fuel tensions between Finland and Russia.
– Lack of other sources and perspectives limits the readers’ ability to form an informed opinion on the issue.

In the current political landscape, where fake news and disinformation are prevalent, it is crucial to critically evaluate the credibility of sources and consider potential biases. The use of state-funded media outlets, such as RT, should be approached with caution due to their inherent biases and potential for spreading misinformation. The one-sided presentation of the issue in this article may contribute to misunderstandings or the formation of biased opinions among readers. It is important for the public to seek diverse sources, fact-check information, and be aware of the political dynamics at play when consuming news.

Source: RT news: NATO state to close border with Russia