European Union official von der Leyen visits the Finland
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — The head of the European Union’s executive branch said Friday that Finland’s decision to close its border crossings with Russia over a surge in migrants was a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc to consider.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks during a trip to the frontier, visiting a part of the border located in southeastern Finland.
“We all know how (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and his allies instrumentalize migrants to test our defenses and to try to destabilize us,” von der Leyen said. “Now Putin is focusing on Finland, and this is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO.”
On April 4, Finland decided to extend the closure of its border crossing points with Russia “until further notice” because of what the government says is a high risk of organized migration being orchestrated by Moscow. Finland’s government has closed eight of its nine checkpoints with Russia. The only one that remains open is dedicated to rail travel only, and cargo trains mainly run through it.
Related articles
'The Apprentice,' about a young Donald Trump, premieres in Cannes
CANNES, France (AP) — While Donald Trump’s hush money trial entered its sixth week in New York, an o2024-05-21Household Cavalry horses injured after going on blind
The Household Cavalry horses that were injured after their blind-panic bolt through London on Wednes2024-05-21BORIS JOHNSON: Come on London! Time to kick out high
Imagine your elation at the news. It’s almost a week from now, round about midnight on Friday, and t2024-05-21Arizona ace Zac Gallen leaves in 6th inning against Seattle with right hamstring tightness
SEATTLE (AP) — Arizona Diamondbacks ace Zac Gallen left his start against the Seattle Mariners on Fr2024-05-21Medics remove 150 MAGGOTS from a woman's mouth after dental procedure left her with rotting tissue
A team of shocked medics removed 150 maggots from a woman's mouth that had appeared after a dental p2024-05-21Summer Movie Guide 2024: All the films coming to theaters and streaming
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Are you ready for some movies this summer? There’s action-adventure, romance, hor2024-05-21
atest comment