OREANDA-NEWS The decision of the Finnish authorities to close the checkpoint on the border with Russia is worrying, Moscow's retaliatory measures will be worked out, the Russian embassy in Helsinki said.

"The decision of the Finnish government to close four checkpoints on the busiest section of the border cannot but cause concern... The retaliatory measures of the Russian side will be worked out," RIA Novosti quotes the message of the Russian diplomatic mission.

The embassy added that they expect clarifications from the Finnish Foreign Ministry regarding the practical implementation of the decision of the authorities.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Finland earlier announced the decision to close part of the eastern border from November 18, 2023.

It is noted that the checkpoints will be closed until February 18, 2024.

According to Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen, the closure of border crossings on the eastern border will stop illegal entry into the territory of the state. She noted that the authorities are ready for more drastic measures if necessary.

Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow deeply regrets that Helsinki decided to restrict traffic on the border with the Russian side.

The official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that Russia hopes that Finland will abandon the idea of completely closing the border between the countries.