Finland will extend the closure of its border with Russia "until further notice" after it was shut in response to a sharp increase in the number of migrants crossing.
Finland, which joined NATO's military alliance after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, claims the surge in asylum seekers was orchestrated by Russia, a charge Moscow denies.
The two neighbours share a 1,340km border.
The Scandinavian country closed the border in mid-December after nearly 1,000 migrants have arrived without visas through its border crossings with Russia since August.
Since then, Finland has repeatedly extended the closure, with the latest extension expiring on 14 April.
"The decision will remain in force until further notice, but no longer than necessary," the government said in a statement on Thursday.
In addition, "the border crossings for maritime traffic at Haapasaari, the port of Nuijamaa and Santio will be closed to recreational vessels" starting April 15 to prevent "the possibility of instrumentalised migration extending to maritime traffic."
From 15 April, it will only be possible to apply for asylum at other maritime border crossings or airports.
Finland's relations with Russia deteriorated after the invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Moscow warned of "countermeasures" after Finland joined the Western defence alliance NATO in April 2023.
In November, Finland initially closed four of its eight border crossings with Russia, and by the end of the month closed the rest.
Although Helsinki then partially eased the closures, on 14 December it again decided to close the entire border.
According to Finnish authorities, reopening the border could pose a threat to national security and public order.
"The Finnish authorities consider this situation to be long-term. This spring, we have seen nothing to lead us to conclude that the situation has changed significantly," Interior Minister Mari Rantanen said in a statement.
Rantanen added that hundreds and possibly thousands of people remain near the Finnish border on the Russian side.
The Finnish government is also preparing a bill that would allow it to "restrict the acceptance of applications for international protection" in limited areas. / BGNES
