This is not intended to stop a Russian invasion. Rather: One fears that Russia could forward numerous migrants to Finland, says the project manager.
Less than two weeks after joining NATO, Finland has begun building a border fence with Russia. The first section of the three meter high barrier decided by the government in Helsinki last year is being built in Imatra, 250 kilometers northeast of the capital. The costs are estimated at 380 million euros.
The project manager responsible, Ismo Kurki, said on Friday that the aim was not to stop an invasion. Rather, about 200 of the 1,300 kilometers are to be secured, where migrants are most likely to be expected. Finland fears that the government in Moscow could send large numbers of them to Finland.
“The situation on the Finnish-Russian border has been stable and is stable at the moment,” said Brigadier General Jari Tolppanen of the Finnish Border Guard. In view of the changed situation, however, his country must gain greater control over the border. “And Finland needs to become less dependent on Russian border controls,” he adds. Last year, Finland recorded 30 illegal crossings, while the Russian side intercepted about 800 attempts, the Finnish border guards said. The Nordic country joined NATO under the impression of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
(APA/Reuters)
