NATO nation considers closing eastern border- Analysis

The Finnish government is considering the possibility of closing its land border with Russia in response to an increase in asylum applications. Last week, Finland closed most border crossings with Russia, but left one open for four hours a day to allow asylum-seekers to enter. The government is now contemplating a full blockade, despite concerns that this would contradict national and EU law.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stated that his government is prepared to completely stop land traffic with Russia. He accused Moscow of “shamelessly exploiting” citizens of foreign nations to put pressure on Western countries, including Finland. He also noted that refugees can still apply for asylum at Helsinki Airport, as there is no air connection between Russia and Finland.

The decision to impose travel restrictions and consider a complete border closure comes after an increase in asylum applications from individuals arriving from Russia. Border guard service statistics show that over 900 applicants entered the country from Russia since August, compared to around 3,600 in total this year. The number of arrivals from the east is significantly lower compared to the 32,500 people who sought refuge in Finland in 2015 during the EU-wide migration crisis.

Interior Minister Mari Rantanen has raised concerns about Finland’s asylum laws and their vulnerability to abuse. She mentioned that the laws allow the Russian president to apply for asylum, stating that if Vladimir Putin were to cross the border and claim asylum, he would remain in Finland for the rest of his life.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov called Finland’s actions regrettable and denied the allegations that Russia was weaponizing migration. He noted that Russian border guards were only allowing individuals with a legal right to cross over. The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized Finland for not attempting to engage Moscow to resolve the tensions and accused Finland of scapegoating Russia for problems stemming from the breakdown of relations initiated by Finland itself.

Analysis:

The article is sourced from RT, a Russian state-funded media outlet. While the information presented in the article may be accurate, the source itself may have biases and a vested interest in portraying Russia in a certain light. Readers should be cautious and seek alternative sources to validate the claims made in the article.

The article provides a relatively balanced view of the situation, presenting statements from both the Finnish government and the Russian authorities. It highlights Finland’s concerns about the increase in asylum applications and its response by closing the border crossings. It also includes the Russian perspective, denying any involvement in weaponizing migration and attributing the tensions to Finland’s actions.

The article mentions the statistics on asylum applications from Russia, providing some context for Finland’s decision. However, it does not delve into the potential reasons behind the increase in asylum applications, leaving room for speculation and assumptions.

The political landscape and the prevalence of fake news can influence the public’s perception of the information. In this case, readers need to consider the source of the article and its potential biases. The RT outlet is known for its pro-Russian stance, and this may shape the way the information is presented. Readers should seek additional sources to get a more comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Overall, the article may present some valid information but should be read critically, taking into account the potential biases and motivations of the source. Supplementing with additional sources can help provide a more nuanced understanding of the topic and avoid falling into potential misinformation.

Source: RT news: NATO state threatens to close its eastern border