Finland Seizes Russian Properties Valued at Over €35 Million in Compliance with International Ruling

Finnish authorities have seized approximately 40 properties owned by the Russian state, valued at over €35 million, including a recreational beach area utilized by Russian diplomats.

According to YLE, this action follows a ruling by the Arbitration Tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, which ordered Russia to pay $5 billion to the Ukrainian energy company Naftogaz due to losses incurred from the annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Among the seized assets are the Russian Center for Science and Culture in Helsinki and a seaside property in Kirkkonummi, which spans 17 hectares of land and 3.5 hectares of marine waters.

The confiscation also includes several residential properties, with notable assets in Turku, where four apartments in the city center were included in the seizure. According to local authorities, there was a lack of clarity regarding the usage of these apartments.

Yle added that the seized properties can no longer be sold or transferred.

In light of these developments, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov has announced intentions to appeal the seizure in court.