In the 16th installment of the Polar Perspectives series, author Pauline Baudu sheds light on the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding migration in the European Arctic, particularly in light of Finland's recent accession to NATO and the war in Ukraine. Drawing on historical precedents and recent developments, she discusses how Russia may be leveraging Arctic refugee routes against its Nordic neighbors, Finland and Norway, and proposes policy options for addressing this challenge in a humane manner. The analysis highlights the vulnerabilities of Arctic borderlands to hybrid tactics and calls for coherent policies that prioritize societal resilience and counteract double standards in migration narratives. Reframing migration as an opportunity and promoting equal solidarity are identified as essential steps towards preventing the weaponization of vulnerable refugees in the region.