Finland completes 200-kilometer fence on border with Russia

Finland has completed the construction of a 200-kilometer-long barrier on its border with Russia.

This was reported by the Finnish Border Guard, part of NATO.

"The main task of the state is to ensure the safety of its citizens. The barrier wall on the eastern border is an integral part of an effective border security system in these unpredictable times," emphasized Finland's Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.

According to her, Finland, as a member state of the Schengen area, bears its share of responsibility for security at the external borders.

The border barrier consists of a 4.5-meter-high fence, a technical surveillance system, a road network, and a 25-meter-wide cleared strip.

This is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Finland, the Border Guard stated. Hundreds of companies were involved in implementing the initiative, with up to 600 people and 150 pieces of equipment working at the construction sites every day.

Amid Russia's war against Ukraine, Finland began construction work in March 2023. Helsinki feared that Russia would use migrants to put pressure on the country.

In the city of Imatra, near which the construction was carried out, no one was enthusiastic about the project, but residents came to terms with it, Mayor Matias Hilden said in an interview with DW. "It's a little sad that we need this," he emphasized.

In September 2022, a large number of Russians fled to Finland after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilization in the country.

Source: DW