Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that it summoned the Finnish ambassador in Moscow to express strong objections over the seizure of Russian state properties linked to a Ukrainian lawsuit.
A Finnish court ordered the confiscation of $4.25 billion in Russian-owned assets at the request of Ukraine’s national gas provider, Naftogaz. This order stems from a ruling by a Hague-based arbitration court that directed Russia to compensate Naftogaz $5 billion for assets taken during the annexation of Crimea.
Naftogaz has indicated it does not expect compliance from Moscow regarding the court ruling, marking this seizure as the first publicly acknowledged successful asset freeze outside Ukraine.
Moscow has accused Finland’s national enforcement authority of seizing 45 properties, including those used by Russia’s Embassy in Helsinki, which are protected by diplomatic immunity.
Finnish media previously reported on the confiscation of the Russian Center of Science and Culture in the Finnish capital. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Finnish Ambassador Maria Liivala, urging Finland to reconsider this “illegitimate decision” as soon as possible.
The ministry warned that if necessary, Russia would take retaliatory measures, claiming that Finnish authorities have disregarded prior protest notes submitted by the Russian Embassy in Helsinki.
Earlier, Russia’s embassy stated that approximately half of the seized assets were diplomatic properties, including residences for diplomats. The Kremlin has committed to contesting Finland’s actions using “all legal means.”
