The Finnish government decided to extend the closure of checkpoints on the border with Russia for another month at a general meeting of the State Council.

According to Yle, border restrictions will remain in effect until 11 February.

"National security remains a critical issue for Finland," Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said.

She stressed that the current situation negatively affects Russians living in Finland and holders of passports from the two countries.

However, she stressed that the threat of hybrid influence remains. 

Finland has closed the last checkpoint on the border with Russia since 30 November, when the Russian Federation began to facilitate the arrival of asylum seekers at the Finnish border.

On 14 December, the Finnish government decided to open two border checkpoints on the eastern border. However, on the first day, more than 100 asylum seekers arrived from Russia, after which the authorities closed the east border for another month.

The Finnish prime minister says Helsinki will have to look for a permanent solution due to the situation.