Finland would be willing to gradually re-open the checkpoints closed last month on the eastern border with Russia, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen (NCP) stated, if Russia ends its suspected hybrid influencing tactics.
The Finnish government shut the eight crossing points in three phases last month in response to what it viewed as Russia's deliberate funneling of undocumented asylum seekers to the Finnish side of the frontier.
"Our aim is that the exceptional situation at the eastern border of Finland returns back to normal as soon as possible. We don't accept any attempt to undermine our national security," Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP) said at the time of the third and final closure.
The decision to close all eight checkpoints on the border covered a period of two weeks, which comes to an end on Wednesday night, 13 December. Finland's government is expected to make a decision early this week on whether to end or extend the closures.
Valtonen noted that the situation at the border has remained calm since the checkpoints were closed, but declined to comment on what decision the government is likely to make in the coming days.
Users with an Yle ID can leave comments on our news stories. You can create your Yle ID via this link. Our guidelines on commenting and moderation are explained here.