Finland began building a fence about three kilometers long on its eastern border with Russia on Tuesday. The Nordic countries later intend to build 130 to 260 km of fences covering 10 to 20% of the total border area between the two countries, focusing mainly on the border crossing points and surrounding areas in the southeast of the country.
According to Reuters, the fence will cover both sides of the Imatra border post. For construction, it will be necessary to clear the forest. Once this process is completed, construction of the road and installation of the fence could begin in March, followed by the introduction of a technical surveillance system. This pilot project is expected to be completed by the end of June.
Last November, the Finnish government offered to spend 139 million euros to build fences along various sections of the country’s border with Russia, fulfilling a promise made after Moscow’s February invasion of Ukraine.
Finland, a NATO candidate, has a history of wars with Russia, but the forested border remains marked only by signs for most of its 1,300-kilometer stretch.
The country’s border service said it intends to build 130 to 260 km of barriers covering 10 to 20% of the total border area between the two countries, with particular attention to border crossings and surrounding areas in southeastern Finland.