Due to a rise in the number of Russian migrants seeking refuge from military service in their country, Finland has taken measures to secure its 1,340 km long border with Russia, the longest of any EU member state. In response, Finland has started building a 200 km fence along a section of the border with Russia to increase border security and curb the entry of Russian migrants.
The fence, which will be three meters tall and made of metal, complete with barbed wire at the top, will be erected in the southeast region of the border, the densest and most wooded part. Night vision cameras, lights, and speakers will also be installed in the more sensitive areas.
Construction of the fence began near Imatra, a town of 26,000 residents in the southeast of Finland. The Border Guard has cleared the forest in the area to make way for a road and to install the fence, with a 3 km pilot project expected to be completed by June. The authorities will use this section to test the fence’s ability to withstand winter freezes, snow weight, and any potential influx of people from the east.
The construction of an additional 70 km of the fence (also in the southeast) will occur between 2023 and 2025. The estimated cost of the entire 200 km wall is $400 million.
New Changes
The border between Finland and Russia had previously “functioned well,” but the war in Ukraine has fundamentally altered the security situation, according to Finnish Brigadier General Jari Tolppanen. In July 2022, Finland amended its Border Guard Law to allow for the construction of stronger fences.
After Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the mobilization of reservists to fight in Ukraine in September 2022, more Russians started to arrive in Finland. Estonia, Latvia, and Poland, which also share a border with Russia, have increased security at their borders or are considering doing so.
Move towards NATO Membership
Following the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Finland and Sweden decided to join NATO as soon as possible after being neutral for years. Although Helsinki faces fewer diplomatic challenges than Stockholm, the government aims to move forward with the process even before the country’s general elections in April.
Finland and Sweden have already received the support of nearly all NATO member countries, with only Turkey and Hungary yet to approve their inclusion in the military alliance.
This fence construction and increased border security are part of Finland’s efforts to maintain its national security and stability. By building a fence along a section of the border with Russia, the Finnish government is taking proactive steps to prevent the entry of unauthorized migrants and to protect its citizens.
While some may argue that the fence symbolizes division and a deterrent to free movement, the Finnish government believes it is necessary to ensure its people’s safety and security and prevent the uncontrolled flow of migrants.
The construction of the fence along the border with Russia is a complex issue that has elicited different opinions and perspectives. However, it is a measure taken by the Finnish government to maintain the safety and security of its people and to prevent the uncontrolled flow of migrants.
