The head of the European Union's executive branch said Finland's decision to close its border with Russia over a surge in migrants is a security matter for the whole 27-member bloc. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen made the remarks on April 19 during a trip to the frontier, visiting a part of the border 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 told officials. “Now Putin is focusing on Finland, and this is no doubt in response to your firm support of Ukraine and your accession to NATO.”
EU's Von Der Leyen Visits Finland-Russia Border To Assess Security Situation
The president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen (left), and Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo attend a press briefing in eastern Finland on April 19.