Finland Russia border fence expanded as second section completed in Kainuu.
The latest phase of the Finland Russia border fence is now finished in the Kainuu region. This new stretch adds 18 kilometers to the total length, as confirmed by Finland’s national broadcaster Yle.
This section includes eight new segments and follows the earlier 35-kilometer pilot project built near Imatra in the southeast. Together, these completed parts now cover just over 50 kilometers of Finland’s long eastern land border. The entire border spans roughly 1,300 kilometers.
The decision to build the Finland Russia border fence came in 2022, following security concerns linked to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Finland’s parliament gave the green light for the project that same year. Construction officially began in 2023. The long-term goal is to build around 200 kilometers of fencing, focusing on areas identified as high priority by the Finnish Border Guard.
Each segment of the fence is made up of a steel mesh barrier, a buffer zone cleared for visibility, a service road for patrols, and a system for technical monitoring.
The new Kainuu section has been updated with advanced features. One of the key additions is an artificial intelligence-based surveillance system. This system can distinguish between animals and people, helping to reduce the number of false alarms. A loudspeaker system has also been installed to allow patrol teams to speak directly with anyone near the fence, even from a distance.
Since December 2023, all land crossings between Finland and Russia have been closed. The Finnish government made this decision due to what it described as national security concerns. The closure came after an increase in irregular border crossings, which officials believed could have been influenced by external pressure.
Some groups have criticized the closure. Human rights advocates and cross-border families have pointed out that the move could restrict freedom of movement and disrupt family connections. Several Finnish residents with ties to Russia have said the shutdown has made it difficult to maintain personal relationships across the border.
The Finnish Border Guard says that more sections of the Finland Russia border fence may be added in the future. This will depend on funding and ongoing security assessments.
While the full 200 kilometers may take years to complete, officials are moving forward in phases. Each section is being built in areas considered most critical, with input from both military and border authorities.
For now, the completed stretches in Imatra and Kainuu mark a significant step in Finland’s evolving approach to border management and national defense.
