Finland to start building a fence on Russian border next year
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An official border guard statement affirms that a pilot fence will be installed in spring 2023 at a crossing site in the eastern town of Imatra.
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Russian passengers exit a bus to the passport control at the Vaalimaa border checkpoint between Finland and Russia. (AP)
Finland will begin building fences along its eastern border with Russia next year, as the country has beefed up security since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, as per the Finnish Border Guard.
The Nordic country's border with Russia is the longest of any European Union member, stretching 1,300 kilometers.
Finland plans to spend $143 million on the border fence, which will cover the construction of around 70 kilometers.
A pilot fence, scheduled to be completed in spring 2023, will test the project's implementation by erecting an approximately 3 km fence on both sides of the Pelkola border crossing point in Imatra, with further expansion to a maximum of 200 km.
In addition to fortifying its borders, Finland has sought NATO membership, with approval awaiting from Turkey, which wants assurances that Finland will back its fight against a variety of armed groups, including the YPG/PKK.
It is worth noting that the accession protocols for Sweden and Finland have been signed by ambassadors from the 30 NATO members on July 5. The approval of their memberships by all alliance members is thus likely to take a few months.
Both countries have been repeatedly warned by Moscow not to join NATO.
