MOSCOW, May 30 – The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Russia, Antti Helantera, on Tuesday to notify him of the decision to reduce mutual consular presence between the two countries, according to a statement released by the ministry.
The statement confirmed that the Russian side had decided to close the office of the Russian Embassy in the city of Lappeenranta starting from July 1, and simultaneously informed the Finnish side about the withdrawal of consent for the operation of the Petrozavodsk and Murmansk offices of the Finnish Consulate General in St. Petersburg, which had been in operation since the early 1990s. The Finnish ambassador received a corresponding note from the Russian Foreign Ministry during the meeting.
The ministry emphasized that the reduction of mutual consular presence with Finland is a result of the current state of Russian-Finnish relations. It stated that the confrontational course pursued by Finland towards the Russian Federation has caused significant damage to the overall relationship between the two countries.
The ministry attributed the deterioration in relations to Finland’s decision to curtail bilateral political dialogue, disrupt multifaceted trade and economic cooperation, sever ties between twin cities and regions, impede cross-border interaction, and terminate air and rail services. Furthermore, Finland’s abandonment of its traditional policy of non-participation in military alliances and its membership in NATO, which openly demonstrates its anti-Russian orientation, were also highlighted.
The statement further mentioned that obstacles have been created for the normal functioning of Russian foreign missions and companies in Finland. It criticized the Finnish authorities for their inability to prevent regular provocative actions that pose a threat to the safety of Russian mission staff.
Additionally, the ministry pointed out Finland’s imposition of a ban on Russians entering the country with Schengen tourist visas since the fall of 2022, as well as its decision to cease issuing such visas to Russians.
The Russian Foreign Ministry concluded that the responsibility for the current situation lies with the Finnish side, which has pursued a confrontational approach detrimental to Russian-Finnish relations.
The reduction of consular presence between Russia and Finland marks another setback in the strained relationship between the two countries.
