Highlights: In Finland, Russian nationals cut off from their families after border closure. The border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until at least February 11. The Finnish government accuses Moscow of deliberately allowing migrants to pass through in order to destabilise the country. As a direct consequence, a passage route is closed for migrants from Somalia, Iraq and Yemen. For the thousands of Russians who are used to going back and forth between their families and work, this is heartbreaking. "Why doesn't Estonia close its border with Russia? Why doesn't Finland learn anything from its neighbours?"

The border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until at least February 11. Helsinki has decided to extend the closure of its border crossings with its neighbour. The Finnish government...

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In Finland, Russian nationals cut off from their families after border closure

The border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until at least February 11. Helsinki has decided to extend the closure of its border crossings with its neighbour. The Finnish government accuses Moscow of deliberately allowing migrants to pass through in order to destabilise the country. Nearly <>,<> asylum seekers have passed through since the summer, an unusual influx. As a direct consequence, a passage route is closed for migrants from Somalia, Iraq and Yemen. It is also very bad news for the thousands of Russians who live in Finland and find themselves cut off from their families.

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The border between Finland and Russia will remain closed until at least February 11, affecting Russian nationals living or working between the two countries. REUTERS - Janis Laizans

By: RFI Follow

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It's been two months since Anna last saw her 76-year-old parents. Two months ago, she left St. Petersburg, quit her job at a private university, to join her husband and young son, who live in Punkah-Ariou in northern Finland.

I had to take my things, my laptop, my phone, kiss my mom, my dad, and... to go to Finland," she confided to Julien Chavanne, from the International Department.

In mid-November, Helsinki closed its border with Russia. For the thousands of Russians who are used to going back and forth between their families and work, this is heartbreaking.

« It's very hard to talk about it... Because my mother needs her grandson close to her. This is a problem. If the Finnish government doesn't reopen the border, it will break my family and our whole life. »

Anna calls her parents every day, at least half an hour. She does not understand why the government is not looking for other solutions. "Why doesn't Estonia close its border with Russia? Why doesn't Finland learn anything from its neighbours? I don't understand.

The border with Russia will remain closed until at least February 11. While waiting to be able to kiss her parents again, Anna teaches Finnish to migrants.

In Finland, Russian nationals cut off from their families after border closure

In Finland, Russian nationals cut off from their families after border closure

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