Finland’s decision to possibly completely close the border, according to presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, causes nothing but “deep regret.” The Kremlin representative was quoted by RBC on Monday, November 20.
“We have had long-standing, very good relations with Finland, pragmatic, based on mutual respect, and, of course, we regret that these relations have been replaced by an exclusively Russophobic position, which the leaders of our neighboring country have now begun to adhere to,” said Peskov, answering a question from journalists.
Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko added in a comment, RIA Novosti reports, that Moscow does not rule out that the Finnish authorities may completely close the border with Russia, but in this case Helsinki will damage its interests.
As Fontanka wrote, Finland is expected to be ready to completely close the border with Russia on Wednesday night.
Four checkpoints on the border with Russia – Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Niirala and Imatra – were already closed by Finland last week. The reason is the influx of refugees from African countries on bicycles. Now the four remaining ones are under threat – “Vartius”, “Kuusamo”, “Salla” and “Raya-Jooseppi”. At the first there is a record rush, and in the Russian city closest to the border there are dozens of refugees waiting for a trip to Finland. Some Finnish residents opposed the authorities’ decision to close the borders and held rallies over the weekend.
