Finland's parliament recently passed a law granting border guards the authority to block asylum seekers crossing from Russia, following an influx of over 1,300 individuals that led Helsinki to close its border. The Finnish government has accused Russia of manipulating migration by encouraging migrants from countries like Syria and Somalia to cross the border, a claim that the Kremlin has refuted.
Helsinki believes that Moscow is facilitating these crossings in response to Finland's decision to join NATO in support of Ukraine against Russia's invasion. Despite the law conflicting with Finland's international human rights obligations, the right-wing government led by Prime Minister Petteri Orpo views it as essential to prevent future arrivals.
