Finland moves to block more Russians on eastern border
Finland is going to "significantly" restrict the entry of Russian citizens to its territory by refusing access to those with tourist visas from any European country in the Schengen area.
The Nordic nation, which has seen an increase in Russians entering its land border since Moscow announced the mobilisation of reservists for the war in Ukraine, is aligning itself with the decision taken at the beginning of September by Poland and the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania), the four other European Union countries bordering Russia.
Finland has the EU's longest border with Russia at over 1300km.
"After the government's decision, it can come into force very quickly," Finnish Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said at a Friday press conference, without giving a specific date.
"Those who cross the border for tourism will be prevented from entering. There will have to be another reason," he explained.
The new Finnish decision applies both to visas granted by Finland and those issued by any other Schengen country, the Finnish diplomatic chief said.
Previously, Finland had decided to drastically reduce the number of visas it issues to Russians at its embassy and consulates in Russia, making only a hundred visa appointments available per day instead of a thousand.
But Helsinki has so far not placed any restrictions on Russians with tourist visas issued by other Schengen area countries.
While other nations had cited security reasons for stopping Russian tourists at the border, Finland took a different path to arrive at the same decision, citing "serious damage to Finland's international position."
Helsinki has been calling for a common European position on the issue for two months.
But the Finnish decision also coincides
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