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Russia has announced the temporary closure of several railway border crossings with Finland, Estonia and Latvia, halting the movement of passengers, vehicles and freight through selected checkpoints from Wednesday.
A Kremlin order published on Tuesday confirmed the measure but did not explain why it was being introduced. Russia's Foreign Ministry has been instructed to inform the governments of Finland, Estonia and Latvia about the decision.
Most of the affected crossings are on the Finnish border, including the Vyborg, Vartsilya, Lyuttya, Saint Petersburg-Finlandsky and Svetogorsk railway checkpoints. Rail traffic has also been suspended at the Pechory-Pskov crossing with Estonia and the Pytalovo crossing with Latvia.
The announcement has prompted questions about Moscow's intentions, with analysts pointing to both growing military tensions in the region and reports of a possible new mobilisation campaign.
The decision comes shortly after Finland revealed plans to work with US defence company Lockheed Martin on Europe's first maintenance centre for multiple-launch rocket systems in Tampere. Russian officials reacted angrily, with senior lawmaker Aleksey Zhuravlyov accusing Finland of becoming "a second Ukraine" and issuing threats against the country.
Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Finland has strengthened its defence policies and kept its border with Russia closed since 2023, accusing Moscow of hybrid operations and expanding military infrastructure near the frontier. A recent Danish investigation also suggested Russia is increasing its military presence along the NATO border as it prepares for the possibility of a future confrontation with the alliance.
Another explanation being discussed is the possibility of a fresh mobilisation in Russia. Reports have claimed the government is considering calling up more troops later this year, with some suggesting an announcement could come after State Duma elections scheduled for September 18 to 20.
Oleksandr Syrskyi has also said Ukraine believes Russia could begin another mobilisation campaign this autumn. Ukrainian officials argue Moscow needs additional personnel to replace heavy battlefield losses.
Russia's first "partial mobilisation" in September 2022 prompted protests and led many Russians to leave the country. Since then, the Kremlin has avoided repeating the measure because of its political sensitivity.
According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Russia had suffered about 1.2 million battlefield casualties by the end of 2025, including as many as 325,000 deaths. The report estimated Moscow needs to recruit more than 30,000 new troops each month to maintain its forces.
Ukrainian intelligence has claimed that around 70,500 Russians signed military contracts during the first three months of 2026, about 30,000 fewer than the Defence Ministry's reported target. Russian media have also reported mobilisation exercises in the Volgograd region during June, attended by officials from neighbouring areas. Russian authorities maintain these drills are held every year.
