THE European Border Guard Service and Coast Guard Frontex announced today that it will send more officers and other personnel to Finland next week as the Nordic country seeks to reduce the number of asylum seekers coming through of Russia.

Helsinki has accused Moscow of funneling migrants across the border from countries including Yemen, Afghanistan, Kenya, Morocco, Pakistan, Somalia and Syria, a charge the Kremlin denies.

Finland said on Wednesday it would close all crossings on its 1,340 km border with Russia except one in the far north, leaving only one remote Arctic route open.

In a statement issued today, Frontex said it will deploy 50 border guards and other personnel in Finland with equipment such as patrol cars to strengthen control activities.

Earlier this week Finland said it had asked to send 60 more Frontex officers on top of the 10 already in the country.

Frontex said it would send a first batch of staff on November 29, including border surveillance officers, migrant registration support, document specialists and interpreters.

The basic rights of “all people” will be respected and upheld, Frontex said.

“The agency is very aware of the humanitarian aspect of this scenario, especially considering the severe weather conditions and the lack of preparation of people arriving at the Finnish border,” he added.