According to the news of Finnish television YLE, in Europe RussiaThe number of arrivals from Finland, which has the longest border to Finland, has increased significantly.
After the partial mobilization decision announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin, it was stated that the number of Russians who wanted to cross the 1300 kilometer border to Finland during the day and especially at night was more than normal days.
Located in the south of Finland and Russia’s St. It was reported that it concentrated at the Vaalimaa and Nuijamaa border gates, which are 170 kilometers from the city of St. Petersburg.
“INCREASE IS NOT SO SERIOUS”
Although there was an increase in border crossings, it was noted that this was not a large accumulation. Nuijamaa customs gate official Juhani Kytösalmi said there was no major influx from Russia to the Finnish border.
Finnish television also reported that there were a few vehicles and buses waiting on the Russian side of the border, and that there were no long queues.
The official of the Finnish Border Protection Agency, Colonel Matti Pitkaniitty, announced that as of this morning, 4,800 Russian citizens arrived at the border yesterday. This number had reached 3 thousand 100 on the same day last week.
“IF THERE IS A PROTECTION APPLICATION, THE OPPORTUNITY MUST BE ALLOWED”
The EU Commission also stated that if there is an application for international protection to Finland, this should be allowed in accordance with international rules and values.
It was stated that some Russian citizens were trying to leave the country after the partial mobilization was announced in Russia, and it was reported that tickets to many countries where flights from Russia continue due to the demand for international flight tickets were sold out.
The border gates in Finland are rare crossing points for Russian citizens to enter the European Union (EU) countries by land.
NO FLIGHTS TO EU COUNTRIES DUE TO SANCTIONS
Due to EU sanctions against Russia, flights from Russia to EU countries are not possible. Other EU countries bordering Russia do not allow crossings either.
The EU also suspended the visa facilitation agreement for Russian citizens. Although the issuance of visas to Russians was not completely prohibited, the procedures were prolonged and it was announced that the applications would be evaluated more strictly. It was stated that previously obtained Schengen visas could be re-evaluated.
* Images of the news are provided by the Associated Press. It is a visual representation.