Finland’s President and the Foreign and Security Policy Committee have discussed banning Russian citizens from entering the country.
Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said the ministry is urgently preparing a proposal to amend the government decree on Russians’ entry, Yle reports.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo explained that Finland has already had entry restrictions for Russians in place since 2022, including on tourist visas, but additional measures are now being prepared that would allow entry to be banned, including for professional athletes. He said the matter is being worked on quickly, and that it would be a matter of principle if Russians were not able to enter Finland at all.
The discussion has intensified ahead of upcoming competitions: next week, two NHL matches featuring Russian players are due to take place in Helsinki; on 20–21 November, the Finlandia Trophy figure skating tournament will be held there as well, with participants from Russia; and on 27–29 November, a Cross-Country Skiing World Cup stage will begin in Ruka, where Russian athletes are also expected.