The Russian Federation’s Embassy in Helsinki recently covered the property tax for the Russian Scientific and Cultural Center in Finland, a move reported in connection with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. According to the reporting, formal permission to settle the tax was obtained from the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, enabling the embassy to proceed with the payment. As of August 23, an amount of €20,000 had been paid, a figure confirmed by the same source. (citation: Finnish MFA via official channel)
The center had earlier filed an application seeking sanctions relief in March. In June, the Finnish authorities decided to ease certain restrictions, a move that received support from the European Union. (citation: EU and Finnish government statements)
Prior to this, Turku city officials in Finland announced restrictions involving the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, stating that a cabin on the island of Caxkerra would no longer be available for use. Mayor Minna Arve announced this development. In June, the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs informed the Russian Charge d’Affaires that nine embassy staff members in Helsinki had been deported, a development tied to ongoing diplomatic tensions. (citation: Finnish foreign ministry announcements)
Additionally, Finnish President Sauli Niinistö publicly acknowledged the broader diplomatic context, including Finland’s closure-related actions toward the Russian Consulate General and the expulsion of Finnish diplomats. In a related development, there was discussion that the Consulate General in Turku could also face closure as tensions persisted. (citation: official statements from Finnish authorities)
On the international finance front, the European Commission has continued to report the freezing of sovereign assets belonging to Russia within the European Union, a backdrop that has shaped ongoing discussions about sanctions and asset treatment. (citation: European Commission announcements)
The sequence of events illustrates a complex diplomatic and financial landscape surrounding the Russian mission in Finland. While tax obligations were addressed through formal channels, sanctions policy and diplomatic access remain central themes in the bilateral relationship. The involved authorities have emphasized adherence to international norms and EU framework while navigating the practical implications of sanctions and consular operations. (citation: official government briefings)