Russians fleeing their home country in order to escape being drafted onto the frontline in Ukraine have been barred from entering Finland.
The country's leadership announced that from midnight tonight (September 29) any Russian “tourists” at the border will be stopped from coming into the country.
Around 17,000 Russians have so far going to Finland in a desperate bid to avoid fighting for despotic Russian President Vladimir Putin's murderous army.
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Finland's Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto said in a press conference: “The entry of Russian citizens in tourist purposes into Finland endangers Finland's international relations.
“The decision in principle aims to completely prevent Russian tourism to Finland and the related transit through Finland.”
And head of the border controls Tuomas Laosmaa explained: “We have indications that the Russian authorities have changed their policy.
“According to information provided by border crossers, there are military authorities at crossing points on the Russian side.
“The passenger profile has clearly changed.
“There are fewer young men than before.”
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Since Putin gave the order to partially mobilise – otherwise known as force people to join the army – around 180,000 people have fled the state.
Putin originally wanted to call up 300,000 people, but it is being reported that he has struggled to sign up even 10,000 so far.
Lithuanian foreign minister Gabrielius Landsbergis echoed Finland's calls to block Russians from entering.
He tweeted: “Lithuania will not be granting asylum to those who are simply running from responsibility.
“Russians should stay and fight, against Putin.
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“Asylum for 25 million draft dodgers is not an option – Russians must liberate Russia.”
Germany, however, is more than happy to take Russians.
Interior minister Nancy Faeser saying: “Deserters threatened with serious repression can as a rule obtain international protection in Germany.”
Official figures stated that Russia has so far lost around 59,000 army personnel in the war, while Ukraine has seen around 9,000 killed in action.
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