Finland–Russia relations

Finland-Russia relations

Finland	Russia
Diplomatic mission
Embassy of Finland, Moscow	Embassy of Russia, Helsinki

Relations between Finland and Russia have been conducted over many centuries, from wars between Sweden and Russia in the early 18th century, to the planned and realized creation and annexation of the Grand Duchy of Finland during Napoleonic times in the early 19th century, to the dissolution of the personal union between Russia and Finland after the forced abdication of Russia's last czar in 1917, and subsequent birth of modern Finland. Finland had its own civil war with involvement by Soviet Russia, was later invaded by the USSR, and had its internal politics influenced by it. Relations since then have fluctuated over time, but worsened notably following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Russia has an embassy in Helsinki, and a consulate in Mariehamn. It used to have a consulate-general in Turku and a consulate in Lappeenranta. Finland has an embassy in Moscow ^[1] and used to have a consulate-general in Saint Petersburg and consulate in Murmansk.

Russia has stated that it is open to normalizing relations with Finland. ^[2] According to Finnish president Alexander Stubb, Finland must be prepared for the possibility that, at some point, relations with Russia will start to open up.

History

The Kingdom of Sweden 1100-1809

Vyborg was the centre of Sweden's eastern trade.

From the 12th century through to the early 19th century, Sweden and Russia engaged in a series of conflicts that shaped the geopolitical landscape of Northern Europe. The earliest of these were the Swedish-Novgorodian Wars during the 12th and 13th centuries, where medieval Sweden clashed with the Novgorod Republic for control over the Baltic-Finnish region. These wars, pivotal for dominance over the vital Varangian-Byzantine trade routes through the Gulf of Finland, included notable battles such as the Battle of the Neva in 1240, where the Novgorodians secured a significant victory against Swedish-led forces. The hostilities culminated in the Kexholm War (1321–1323), which ended inconclusively but led to the Treaty of Nöteborg, establishing a fragile peace. ^[3]

Throughout the subsequent centuries, numerous minor conflicts took place between Sweden and Novgorod, gradually evolving as the Novgorod Republic gave way to the expanding Grand Duchy of Moscow, later the Russian Empire. Noteworthy among these was the Russo-Swedish War of 1475–1476, in which Sweden achieved victory over Moscow, followed by a series of contested wars in the late 15th and 16th centuries, including those from 1495–1497 and 1554–1557, which often concluded without decisive outcomes. ^[3]

During the reign of King Gustav Vasa of Sweden, Stockholm granted Finns the authority to manage practical relations with Russia. Vyborg became the center of power for eastern relations. A challenge in eastern relations emerged in synchronizing eastern policy with the rulers in Stockholm. At times, the Finns wished to adopt a tougher stance toward Russia, while Stockholm aimed for conciliation. At other times, the situation was reversed, with Stockholm seeking to tighten the line while Vyborg pursued reconciliation. Eastern policy was in harmony when Stockholm and Vyborg were aligned. ^[4]

The period from the late 16th century to the early 18th century marked intensified struggles for dominance in the Baltic region. The Livonian War (1558–1582) saw Sweden allied successfully against the Tsardom of Russia. This was followed by more Russo-Swedish conflicts in 1590–1595 and the Ingrian War (1610–1617), both with significant Swedish victories. Another war took place from 1656 to 1658, further asserting Swedish dominance. ^[4]

However, the Great Northern War (1700–1721) was a turning point, culminating in a decisive coalition victory led by Russia, which marked the decline of Swedish influence and the rise of Russia as a great power. Later Russo-Swedish wars during the 18th century, including those from 1741 to 1743 and the more complex conflicts from 1788 to 1790, were marked by fluctuating outcomes, with Russia prevailing in some and stalemates or favorable results to Sweden in others. ^[4]

Sweden lost Vyborg and Karelia to Russia as a result of its defeat in the Great Northern War. This loss deprived Sweden of an important center for eastern trade and relations. Russia sought to conquer Vyborg in order to secure the safety of the empire’s new capital, Saint Petersburg. ^{[4] [5]}

Count Arvid Horn.

After the Great Northern War, Count Arvid Horn, born in Finland, rose to become the leader of the Cap Party. Horn pursued peaceful relations with Russia and can be regarded as the father of Finland’s early foreign policy. The Finns were mostly supporters of the Cap Party, whereas in Sweden there were more adherents of the Hat Party. The Hat Party favored an alliance with France and a more confrontational stance toward Russia. The Hats came to power in Sweden and launched a war against Russia in 1741, which ended in Sweden’s defeat. ^[5]

In 1742, during the War of the Hats, Empress Elizabeth of Russia proposed the idea of a Kingdom of Finland, which was to be established with Russian support. The Finnish estates convened at the Diet to discuss the matter, and the proposal gained some approval. However, Empress Elizabeth eventually abandoned the idea, for reasons that remain unknown. ^[5]

The notion of an independent Finland supported by Russia did not disappear. Georg Magnus Sprengtporten later advanced the idea of an independent Finnish republic. In Sveaborg (Suomenlinna), a group known as the Order of Walhalla operated, whose membership largely consisted of participants in the Anjala League, a group of officers who had rebelled against King Gustav III of Sweden during the Russo–Swedish War (1788.1790). The members of the Anjala League supported the concept of Finnish independence. ^[5]

During the Napoleonic Wars, France and Russia signed the Treaty of Tilsit in 1807. The two powers imposed a trade embargo against the United Kingdom. Emperor Napoleon of France and Emperor Alexander I of Russia sought to compel Sweden to join the Continental System, but Sweden refused, as Britain was its most important trading partner. This led Sweden into a two-front war: France attacked via Denmark and Norway, while Russia invaded Finland. As a consequence of the war, Sweden ceded Finland to Russia. ^[5]

The final war between these two powers in this period was the Finnish War (1808–1809). This war resulted in a Russian victory and dramatically reshaped the region by ending Swedish rule over Finland. Finland was then ceded to Russia, becoming an autonomous grand duchy, a change that significantly altered Northern European political dynamics and set the stage for future national developments. ^[4]

The Grand Duchy of Finland 1809-1917

Tsar Alexander I opens the Diet of Porvoo 1809

In 1809, in accordance with Treaty of Fredrikshamn Sweden surrendered Finland to Russia, and the Diet of Porvoo pledged loyalty to Russian Emperor Alexander I. In turn, Alexander I granted Finland, for the first time in Finnish history, statehood as the Grand Duchy of Finland. ^[6]

In addition, on December 11, 1811, Russia transferred to Finland the Vyborg Governorate, that Russia acquired from Sweden earlier in 1721 and 1743. Under the rule of Russian tsars Finland kept all the taxes collected on its territory, the decisions of Finnish courts were not subject of review by Russian courts, and all government positions (except for the Governor General) were occupied by natives of Finland. ^{[5] [7]}

The Imperial Senate of Finland in Helsinki.

The Emperor of Russia was the Grand Duke of Finland, who approved decisions concerning Finland. These decisions were presented to the Emperor by the Finnish Secretary of State, later known as the Minister-Secretary of State for Finland in Saint Petersburg. The Emperor’s representative in Finland was the Governor-General of Finland, who supervised the work of the Imperial Senate of Finland. The Senate of Finland functioned in practice as an advisory body that also implemented and oversaw the execution of decisions. The Senate was divided into an Economic Department and a Judicial Department. The Vice-Chairman of the Economic Department effectively acted as the Prime Minister of Finland. The Governor-General of Finland served as the chairman of both departments, although he rarely assumed this authority in practice. ^{[5] [8]}

Count Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt.

In the early years of the Grand Duchy of Finland, the Committee for Finnish Affairs was the most influential body concerning matters related to Finland. Its considerable influence was largely due to Count Gustaf Mauritz Armfelt. Another notable member of the Committee was Count Johan Fredrik Aminoff. Armfelt played a decisive role in the relocation of Finland’s capital from Turku to Helsinki in 1812. He was also instrumental in the incorporation of Old Finland into the rest of the country. Furthermore, he influenced the establishment of three infantry regiments in Finland when Napoleon invaded Russia in 1812. The regiments formed the foundation for the establishment of the Finnish Guard. Armfelt developed a particularly close and confidential relationship with Emperor Alexander I. ^[9]

Emperor of Russia, Grand Duke of Finland, Alexander I, and his army occupied Paris in 1814.

In 1814, the Russian army, led by Emperor Alexander I, marched into Paris. Finnish officers and soldiers participated in the occupation of the city. The Finnish House of Nobility was established in 1818. The nobility of the Grand Duchy of Finland largely consisted of the same Finnish noble families that had held rank during the Swedish era. In 1819, Alexander I undertook an extensive journey through Finland, during which he visited various manors and conferred the titles of baron and count upon few individuals. ^[5]

After the Napoleonic Wars, Finland entered a period of stabilization. The country had to adapt to new political circumstances, but the transition was eased by the preservation of the laws inherited from Swedish rule. A passport and customs boundary was instituted between Finland and Russia, meaning that crossing the border was permitted only by special authorization. This arrangement limited interaction between Finns and Russians. Finland did not possess an independent foreign policy but adhered instead to that of the Russian Empire. ^[5]

During the final years of Alexander I's reign, few significant decisions were made in Finland. After Alexander’s death, Nicholas I ascended to the Russian throne. He was immediately confronted with suppressing the Decembrist uprising in Saint Petersburg in 1825. Nicholas’s rule is often characterised as reactionary and conservative, given his opposition to the ideals of the French Revolution. His guiding principles became autocracy, nationalism, and adherence to the Orthodox faith. ^[5]

Finlayson's factory in Tampere.

Nicholas I supported trade and industrialisation. While the notable industrial growth of Tampere had begun during Alexander I’s reign, it attained considerable prominence under Nicholas. Tampere became home to the largest enterprise in the Nordic countries, Finlayson, and to the region’s largest textile industry. ^{[5] [10]}

In 1830, a Polish uprising sought to challenge Russian rule. The Finnish Guard took part in suppressing the rebellion. Finland remained a loyal component of the empire, and Nicholas I praised it as the most peaceful and faithful part of the imperial realm. ^[5]

Finland’s societal development was constrained by governance through imperial decrees. No new laws were enacted, as Nicholas I declined to convene the Finnish Diet. ^{[5] [11]}

Russia launched the Crimean War in 1853. The objective of the Russian Empire was to conquer the coastlines of the Black Sea and to secure a strategic foothold on the Bosporus Strait. The United Kingdom and France entered the conflict on the side of the Ottoman Empire against Russia. ^[5]

In 1854, the war expanded to the shores of the Baltic Sea. British and French naval forces arrived along the coasts of Russia, Finland, and Estonia in the Gulf of Finland. Their aim was to destroy Russian warships and sever the supply routes to the imperial capital, Saint Petersburg. The Russian fleet was moved behind the fortifications of Kronstadt and Suomenlinna for protection. The British and French fleets bombarded Finland’s coastal fortresses, towns, ports, shipyards, grain stores, and merchant vessels. The destruction of civilian targets contributed to the emergence of famine in Finland in the following years after the Åland War. ^[5]

Alexander II ascended to the throne of Russia in 1855. His reign marked a period of significant progress and prosperity for Finland. ^[5]

Emperor Alexander II abolished serfdom in Russia in 1861, but this reform did not affect the Finns, as there had never been slavery or serfdom in Finland throughout its history. Finnish peasants were free. ^[5]

At the turn of the 1850s and 1860s, Alexander initiated the construction of Finland’s railway network. The first railway connection between Helsinki and Hämeenlinna was completed in 1862, and the line between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg was finished in 1870. The development of the railway infrastructure had a profound impact on Finland’s economic growth and industrialisation. ^[5]

Alexander visited Finland in 1863, where he received the Language Manifesto in Hattula and signed it in Hämeenlinna. He supported Finnish nationalism by granting the Finnish language equal status alongside Swedish. ^[5]

The Finnish Diet in Helsinki in 1863. The Grand Duke of Finland, Alexander II, gave the opening speech.

Emperor Alexander II convened the Finnish Diet in 1863, which was held in Helsinki. This was a significant event since the Diet of Porvoo in 1809 and marked the beginning of regular legislative activity in Finland. It also represented an important acknowledgment by the Tsar of Finland’s loyalty as part of the Russian Empire. ^[5]

Alexander II had already approved the establishment of the Finnish markka in 1860, and Finland’s first Limited Liability Company Act was enacted in 1864. During the 1860s, Finland adopted several major financial laws that accelerated the development of capital markets and business enterprises. The creation of the Finnish markka contributed to the diversification and modernization of Finnish banking operations. ^[5]

During the reign of Alexander II, Finland participated in the Belle Époque era. The country advanced socially, economically, culturally, and in terms of civic organization. The children of Finland’s upper-class families attended the Page Corps in Saint Petersburg and the Hamina Cadet School. Members of the university community and the educated class sought academic knowledge from Germany, while figures of the cultural sphere drew inspiration from Saint Petersburg and Paris. ^[5]

Finland’s two overwhelmingly largest trading partners were Russia and the British Empire. The importance of the German Empire as a commercial partner increased in the following decades, yet Germany never surpassed Britain and Russia. ^[5]

The Saimaa Canal was opened in 1856, and the railway between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg began operation in 1870. The notable expansion of trade with the East transformed the city of Vyborg into a significant centre of commerce and culture. The opening of the railway also contributed to the development of Zelenogorsk - then part of Finland - into a popular holiday resort for the Russian, Finnish, and international upper classes. Zelenogorsk later gained the nickname “the Riviera of the Baltic Sea.” ^[5]

After Alexander II, the Russian throne passed to Alexander III, who spent his summer days at the imperial fishing lodge of Langinkoski. He greatly appreciated Finland’s peaceful and secure environment. ^[5]

The years of oppression that undermined the autonomy of the Grand Duchy of Finland began with the postal manifesto initiated by Alexander III in 1890. Russia feared the growing nationalism of the empire’s minority peoples, and actions were launched in Saint Petersburg to bring greater unity to the empire. In Finland, the situation was met with shock and disappointment, since the country had been the most peaceful and loyal part of the empire. The repressive measures directed against Finland in practice only strengthened the Finns’ national consciousness. ^{[5] [7]}

After his coronation, Nicholas II of Russia leaves Dormition Cathedral. The Chevalier Guard Lieutenant marching in front to the Tsar's left (to the viewer's right) is Carl Gustaf Mannerheim.

In 1899, the first period of Russification began when Nicholas II forced the February Manifesto of 1899 through the Finnish senate. The manifesto asserted the Russian Imperial Government's de jure right to rule over Finland and attempted to remove many of the freedom's granted by previous tsars. The most contentious policies introduced during this time were the Language Manifesto of 1900, which made Russian the administrative language of Finland and the 1901 conscription law which forced Finnish citizens to serve in the Imperial Russian Army. ^[7]

Between 1904 and 1905, the Russo-Japanese War resulted in a significant Russian defeat. The conflict triggered widespread demonstrations across the Russian Empire, which compelled Tsar Nicholas II to make concessions. Alongside the establishment of the Russian Duma, the Parliament of Finland was founded in 1907. Prior to this, in 1906, Finland’s estates dissolved themselves as political classes. ^[7]

The Russification campaign was suspended at the outset of the Russian Revolution of 1905 and was reinstated during the second period of Russification in 1908 which was subsequently suspended for the last time in 1914 at the outset of the First World War. ^[7]

In 1910, Finland's exports to Russia accounted for 27.4 percent. During World War I, exports were 44 percent in 1914 and 92.3 percent in 1916. Finland's export economy supported the empire's war efforts. ^[12]

The First World War began in 1914. Russia’s allies were the United Kingdom and France. Russia fought against the German Empire, Austria-Hungary, and the Ottoman Empire. Finnish officers and soldiers participated in the operations of the Russian army, the most famous of whom was Baron Carl Gustaf Emil Mannerheim. ^[7]

In Finland, there were opponents of Russian rule known as the Jäger Movement. They received military training in the German Empire in a secret operation. The Finnish Jägers took part in battles against Russia. ^[7]

The Grand Duchy of Finland.

During the First World War, the dream of Finnish independence was not yet mainstream. Finns were more interested in preserving the autonomous Grand Duchy. ^{[7] [13]}

In 1917, large-scale demonstrations broke out in Russia. In Petrograd, there were major protests and strikes. Tsar Nicholas II abdicated the throne, which led to the February Revolution and the establishment of the bourgeois Russian Republic. The Russian Republic collapsed as a result of the Communist October Revolution. Finland declared itself independent in December 1917, and Soviet Russia recognized Finland’s independence. ^[7]

The Russian October Revolution plunged Soviet Russia into a civil war, pitting the Red Communists against the White forces advocating for the restoration of tsarist rule. Along the border between Finland and Soviet Russia in the Karelian Isthmus, large refugee flows took shape. Members of the Romanov family, as well as princes, counts, barons, and other members of the upper class, sought refuge in Finland. Many continued their journey from Finland to France, Britain, the United States, and Canada. Some, however, remained in Finland, among them members of the Demidov family. ^{[5] [14]}

Finland 1917-1944

Finland (1920-1940).

With the Russian Empire's collapse during World War I, Finland took the opportunity to declare its full independence, which was shortly recognized by the USSR "in line with the principle of national self-determination that was held by Lenin." ^[15]

Following the Finnish Civil War and October Revolution, Russians were virtually equated with Communists and due to official hostility to Communism, Finno-Soviet relations in the period between the world wars remained tense. During these years Karelia was a highly Russian occupied military ground; the operation was led by Russian general Waltteri Asikainen. Most ethnic Russians, who lived in Finland prior to 1918, immigrated to other countries, primarily Germany and USA.

Finland regarded itself to be at war with Soviet Russia, as the latter had supported Finnish communists during the Civil War. The Finnish state did not participate in the so-called Kinship Wars; rather, they were undertaken by Finnish volunteers. Voluntary activists arranged expeditions to Karelia, which ended when Finland and the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic signed the Treaty of Tartu in 1920. Finland obtained Pechenga for itself in the Treaty of Tartu, which became an important port during the Second World War. ^[16]

Between the First and Second World Wars, trade between the two countries collapsed. In the 1920s, trade accounted for only 3 percent, and in the 1930s just under one percent. The reason lay in the fact that Finland was a capitalist society, while the Soviet Union represented a planned economy. From the perspective of commerce, it was difficult to reconcile the two countries’ economic systems. ^[12]

Finland fought two wars against the Soviet Union during World War II: the Winter War and the Continuation War. The Finns suffered 89,108 dead or missing military personnel during these wars ^{[17] [18] [19]} but inflicted severe casualties on the Soviet Union: 26,875–167,976 dead or missing during the Winter War ^{[20] [21]} and 250,000–305,000 dead or missing during the Continuation War. ^{[19] [21]} Finland ceded 11% of its territory - including the major city Vyborg - to the Soviet Union, but prevented the Soviets from annexing Finland into the Soviet Union. Of all the continental European nations combating, as part of World War II, Helsinki and Moscow were the only capitals not occupied. ^[19]

After the Second World War, Finland was the only part of the former Russian Empire that had not fallen under communist rule. ^[5]

1945–1991

See also: Finlandization

President of Finland Kekkonen on an official visit to the Soviet Union. Kekkonen is raising his hands, Brezhnev is to his left.

After the Second World War, Finland signed the Agreement of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance with the Soviet Union in 1948. The Eastern Bloc countries had also signed similar agreements, but Finland was an exception, as its system was based on democracy and a market economy. ^[22]

During the Cold War, Finland’s foreign policy continued along the path of neutrality that it had pursued since the 1930s. Presidents Juho Kusti Paasikivi and Urho Kekkonen became regarded as guarantors of this foreign policy line. The guiding principle of neutrality was that Finland remained outside the conflicts between great powers, with the objective of maintaining stable and established conditions in the country. The Soviet Union recognized Finland's neutrality in 1956. ^[22]

Trade between Finland and the Soviet Union began under five-year agreements in 1950. The two countries engaged in bilateral trade. ^[23]

In the 1958 parliamentary elections, the Finnish People’s Democratic League emerged as the largest party in the Parliament, but it was not accepted into the government. This led to a political crisis known as the Night Frost Crisis between Finland and the Soviet Union. The situation was resolved when the Agrarian League decided to withdraw from the government, after which Urho Kekkonen appointed V. J. Sukselainen to form a new cabinet. ^[22]

Note Crisis was other a political crisis between Soviet–Finnish relations in 1961. Note Crisis (Nootti) was connected to the Berlin crisis that happened in the same year.

In 1975, the Soviet Union became Finland’s largest export market. Trade reached its peak in the early 1980s, and thanks to prosperous Eastern trade, some of the largest companies in the Nordic region operated in Finland. The Soviet Union remained Finland’s largest trading partner until the collapse of the Soviet Union. ^[5]

Throughout the Cold War, Finland joined Western economic cooperation within the limits of its foreign policy latitude. The Soviet Union accepted Finland’s becoming an associate member of EFTA in 1961. Finland became a full member of EFTA in 1985, which provoked negative reactions in Moscow. Finland also joined Western Europe’s technology program, Eureka. In the Soviet Union, this course of development was regarded as “right-wing.” At the same time, the Soviet economy faced difficulties, which caused a decline in trade between Finland and the Soviet Union. ^[24]

The Soviet Union drifted to the point of collapse at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s. The Baltic states began to demand independence. The United States never recognized the incorporation of the Baltic states into the Soviet Union. The United States also warned the Balts not to “rock the boat.” Finland likewise had no influence over the situation of the Baltic states, which is why it maintained a low profile regarding their recognition. ^{[25] [26]}

During the period 1988–1991 when the Baltic states were pursuing independence from the Soviet Union, Finland initially avoided supporting the Baltic independence movement publicly, but did support it in the form of practical co-operation. However, after the failed 1991 August Coup in Russia, Finland recognized the Baltic states and restored diplomatic relations with them. ^[27]

1992–2022

President of the United States Bill Clinton, President of Finland Martti Ahtisaari, and President of Russia Boris Yeltsin at Mäntyniemi in Helsinki, Finland, in 1997.

After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Finland abandoned the restrictions imposed by the Paris Peace Treaty signed in 1947. At the same time, the 1948 Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance was terminated and replaced in 1992 by a new agreement: the Treaty between the Republic of Finland and the Russian Federation on the Foundations of Relations. ^[28]

In the post–Cold War world, Finland oriented itself toward membership in the European Union and partnership with NATO through the Partnership for Peace programme. As an EU member, Finland proposed the initiative for the Northern Dimension. ^{[5] [29]}

During the 1990s, Russia fell into a state of social, political, and economic upheaval. Governments changed frequently, while inflation and interest rates remained high. The transition toward capitalism and democracy produced various negative side effects. ^[30]

Finland's exports to Russia were at their highest in 2008. At that time, Russia became Finland's largest export destination. According to statistics, in 2008 Finnish exports to Russia totaled around 7.6 billion euros, accounting for nearly 12 percent of Finland's goods exports. This marked a peak period before a subsequent decline due to the global financial crisis and other factors. ^[31]

Finland had a positive attitude toward the Nord Stream gas pipeline built between Germany and Russia. Former Finnish Prime Minister Paavo Lipponen lobbied in favor of the pipeline. ^[32]

President of Russia Vladimir Putin and President of Finland Tarja Halonen in Finland in 2001.

Finland’s relations with Russia were functional in the 2000s. President Tarja Halonen received Presidents Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev in Finland. Halonen made reciprocal visits to Russia. Halonen visited Russia 27 times during her presidency. Finnish major corporations as well as small and medium-sized enterprises found the Russian market. Finland imported raw materials and energy from Russia. Russian tourism in Finland increased, and many Russians purchased holiday homes in Finland. A high-speed Allegro train connection was built between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg. In 2011, the border was crossed ten million times. ^{[33] [34] [7]}

Sauli Niinistö became President of Finland in 2012. He established functional relations with President Putin. In 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine. The European Union imposed economic sanctions against Russia, which Finland adhered to. The EU sanctions were limited in scope, and as a result, Finland’s economic relations with Russia largely remained unchanged. Trade between Finland and Russia had already declined from its peak in 2008, a downward trend driven by the global financial crisis, the fall in oil prices, the weakening of the ruble, and the EU sanctions. ^{[35] [36] [37] [38]}

Presidents Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Sauli Niinistö in Helsinki in 2018.

President Niinistö’s guiding principle in foreign policy became the so-called policy of stability, through which he sought to improve relations between the West and Russia. An example of this was the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Putin at the 2018 Russia–United States Summit. ^{[39] [40]}

In August 2019, President Vladimir Putin paid a working visit to Finland, during which President Sauli Niinistö hosted a dinner for Putin and his entourage at Suomenlinna. ^[41]

The most recent meeting between the Presidents of Finland and Russia to date took place in Moscow in October 2021. The hiatus of several years was the result of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time of the meeting, Moscow was experiencing a significant surge in new infections. The Presidents discussed Arctic cooperation and the restoration of the Allegro train service, which had been suspended due to the pandemic. ^[42]

2022–present

After the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine started, Finland, as one of the EU countries, imposed sanctions on Russia, and Russia added all EU countries to the list of "unfriendly nations". ^[43]

In September 2022, Finland announced that it would not offer asylum to Russians fleeing mobilization. ^[44]

On 6 June 2023 Finland expelled nine Russian diplomats, believed to be working for an intelligence service. In July 2023 Russia ordered the closure of the St Petersburg consulate and expelled nine diplomats. Entry into Finland for Russian citizens will be limited for an indefinite period. ^[45]

Having introduced a ban on Russian registered cars entering Finland in September, a ban on Russians on bicycles was introduced in November 2023. ^[46] Four of the eight eastern border crossings were closed for three months by Finland in November.

In November 2023, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo announced the closure of all but the northernmost border crossing with Russia, amid a sudden increase in asylum seekers seeking to enter Finland via Russia. Finland accused Russia of deliberately using refugees as weapons as part of its hybrid warfare following worsening relations between the two countries. Frontex subsequently announced that the EU would assist Finland in securing its eastern border. ^{[47] [48]}

Spying in Finland

Russia is suspected of large-scale spying on the IT networks at the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The spying focused on data traffic between Finland and the European Union, and is believed to have continued for four years. The spying was uncovered in spring 2013, and as of October 2013 ^[update] the Finnish Security Intelligence Service (Supo) was investigating the breach. ^[49]

Economic relations

Allegro trains ran between Helsinki and St. Petersburg until March 2022.

Before Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Russia was a major trade partner of Finland and cross-border business was considered strategic. Finland imported a large amount of raw materials, fuels and electricity from Russia. Finland operates the 1 GW Loviisa Nuclear Power Plant with Soviet technology, and (until May 2022) planned the 1.2 GW Hanhikivi Nuclear Power Plant with Russian technology. From midnight 13—14 May 2022, Russia suspended electricity supplies to Finland, ^[50] forcing Finland to rely more on and improve its grid connections with Norway, Sweden and Estonia.

Finnish NATO membership

Main article: Finland–NATO relations

In December 2021, Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs pressured Finland and Sweden to refrain from joining NATO. Russia claims that NATO's persistent invitations for the two countries to join the military alliance would have major political and military consequences which would threaten stability in the Nordic region. Furthermore, Russia sees Finland's inclusion in NATO as a threat to Russian national security since the United States would likely be able to deploy military equipment in Finland if the country were to join NATO. ^[51]

However, on 1 January 2022, Finland's president, Sauli Niinistö, reasserted Finnish sovereignty by stating that the Finnish government reserved the right to apply for NATO membership. Furthermore, Niinistö said that Russian demands threaten the "European security order". Additionally, he believes that transatlantic cooperation is needed for the maintenance of sovereignty and security of some EU member states, including Finland. ^[52]

Subset of polls on Finnish membership of NATO shows opinion change after invasion of Ukraine

Dates conducted	Pollster	Client	Sample size	Support	Oppose	Neutral or DK	Lead	Ref.
3–16 Jan 2022	Kantar TNS	Helsingin Sanomat	1003	28%	42%	30%	14%	[53]
24 February 2022	Russia invades Ukraine
4–15 Mar 2022	Taloustutkimus	EVA	2074	60%	19%	21%	41%	[54]
9–10 May 2022	Kantar TNS	Helsingin Sanomat	1002	73%	12%	15%	61%	[55]

In the wake of the 24 February 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, support among the Finnish populace for NATO membership increased from below 30% to 60-70%. ^{[56] [57]} On 12 May 2022, Finnish President Niinistö and Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin announced that Finland would begin the process of applying for NATO membership. ^{[58] [59]} On 18 May 2022, Finland formally applied to join NATO, simultaneously with Sweden. ^[60] Finland formally became a member of NATO on 4 April 2023 during a scheduled summit, ^[61] finalizing the fastest accession process in the treaty's history. ^[62]

Embassy of Finland in Moscow

Embassy of Russia in Helsinki. Note the Soviet emblem bas-relief, which has not been removed since the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

See also

• Foreign relations of Finland
• Foreign relations of Russia
• Russia–European Union relations
• Finland–Russia Society
• NATO–Russia relations
• Russians in Finland
• Finland–Russia border
• List of ambassadors of Russia to Finland

References

1. Site of Embassy of Finland in Russia
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3. Tarkiainen, Kari (2008). Sveriges Österland: från forntiden till Gustav Vasa. Finlands svenska historia. Helsingfors : Stockholm: Svenska litteratursällskapet i Finland ; Atlantis. ISBN   978-951-583-155-2.
4. Tarkiainen, Kari; Tarkiainen, Kari (2022). Moskovalainen: Ruotsi, Suomi ja Venäjä 1478-1721. Historiallisia tutkimuksia (Tekijän suomentama ja ajantasaistama laitos ed.). Helsinki: Suomalaisen Kirjallisuuden Seura. ISBN   978-951-858-574-2.
5. Aminoff, Jukka (2021). Suomen Ruotsi ja Venäjä: Suomi muuttuvien maailmanjärjestysten keskellä. Helsinki: Readme.fi. ISBN   978-952-373-254-4.
6. Wuorinen, John H. "Appendix A: Alexander I's Act of Assurance, Porvoo Diet, March, 1809, and Decree of April 4, 1809." in A History of Finland (Columbia University Press, 1965) pp. 483-484.
7. Jussila, Osmo (2004). Suomen suuriruhtinaskunta: 1809-1917. Helsinki: WSOY. ISBN   978-951-0-29500-7.
8. "Autonomian ajan viranomaiset". Arkistojen Portti (in Finnish). Archived from the original on 2025-08-27. Retrieved 2025-10-10.
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Works cited

• Kinnunen, Tiina; Kivimäki, Ville (2011). Finland in World War II: History, Memory, Interpretations. BRILL. ISBN   978-9004208940.
• Nenye, Vesa; Munter, Peter; Wirtanen, Toni; Birks, Chris (2016). Finland at War: The Continuation and Lapland Wars 1941–45. Osprey Publishing. ISBN   978-1472815262.

Further reading

• Faloon, Brian S. "The Dimensions of Independence: The Case of Finland." Irish Studies in International Affairs 1.2 (1980): 3-10. online

• Kirby, David G., ed. Finland and Russia, 1808-1920 (Springer, 1975).
• Polvinen, Tuomo. Between East and West: Finland in international politics, 1944-1947 (U of Minnesota Press, 1986) online

• Tarkka, Jukka. Neither Stalin nor Hitler : Finland during the Second World War (1991) online
• Waldron, Peter. "Stolypin and Finland." Slavonic and East European Review 63.1 (1985): 41-55. [Waldron, Peter. "Stolypin and Finland." The Slavonic and East European Review 63.1 (1985): 41-55. online]
• Wuorinen, John H. Finland and World War II, 1939–1944 (1948).

External links

• Embassy of Finland in Moscow
• Embassy of the Russian Federation in Helsinki