Finland has officially decided to close its border with Russia. The checkpoints will be closed on the night of Friday to Saturday, November 18. This was announced by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Ilta-Sanomat reports.

At a briefing, Orpo confirmed that checkpoints will be closed on Finland's eastern border. We are talking about four checkpoints: Imatre, Niirale, Nuijamaa and Vaalimaa.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the checkpoints will be closed at night from November 17 to 18. Finland has discussed the decision with its neighbors and the European Union.

Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen noted that the decision was caused by a large number of refugees seeking asylum. According to her, the border area remains a peaceful territory, and the situation on the border will be monitored. Further changes in the work of the checkpoints will be made after analyzing the situation.