Europe is anticipating a worsening situation with refugees at the Finnish-Russian border. This view was expressed by Maciej Duszczyk, a migration expert and professor at the University of Warsaw, in a conversation with Yle.
The situation at the border control checkpoints is described with the phrase "the worst is yet to come." The Polish researcher warned that soon, migrants will start arriving in Finland not only through official border crossings but also through the dense northern forests.
In his analysis, Duszczyk accused Russia of exacerbating the situation. "Finland should be very prepared for further provocations. This is a hybrid war, and Russia will not stop," he stated. He also suggested that Russia might try to influence elections through these means.
The Polish professor added that escorting migrants is allegedly a source of income for Russia and Belarus. "Perhaps it is profitable not directly for the administration but for airlines, hotels in Moscow and other cities, universities providing student visas," Duszczyk commented.
Finnish authorities previously announced readiness to close all remaining land border checkpoints with Russia due to the uncontrollable flow of refugees from third countries. The Kremlin has deemed this stance as Russophobic.
