Finland’s diplomatic relations with Russia have been further strained following an incident of vandalism at its embassy in Moscow, as reported by Finnish Ambassador Marja Liivala. The embassy was defaced with graffiti that read “Aland is ours” in Swedish, suggesting a claim to the Aland Islands, which are an autonomous region of Finland and have a majority Swedish-speaking population. Additionally, eggs were thrown at the embassy’s wall during the incident that occurred on a Friday. Liivala characterized the event as “unpleasant” and stated that the police acted swiftly to apprehend five men involved in the vandalism, although their nationalities remain unknown. The ambassador confirmed that efforts were underway to remove the graffiti and restore the wall.
In response to the incident, Finland formally issued a diplomatic note to Russia, emphasizing Moscow’s responsibility to ensure the safety of its diplomatic missions and personnel. Although specifics about the content of the diplomatic note were not disclosed, it serves as a reminder to Russia regarding its obligations under international protocols related to diplomatic protection. This vandalism incident has taken place against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the two countries, particularly following Finland’s decision to seize Russian assets in response to legal actions taken by Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftogaz.
Just days before the embassy incident, Russia had sent its own note to Finland regarding the confiscation of approximately 40 Russian-owned properties, including land in the Aland Islands. This move is part of Finland’s efforts to respond to ongoing geopolitical tensions and financial disputes stemming from Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The legal conflict involves a $5 billion arbitration award obtained by Naftogaz from a Hague court, relating to Russian nationalization of property in Crimea, a region that remains disputed after its annexation by Russia in 2014.
Finland’s relationship with Russia has changed dramatically since the commencement of the Ukraine war, marking the end of decades of neutrality. In 2023, Finland joined NATO, a significant strategic shift motivated by security concerns stemming from Russia’s aggressive actions. Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen even urged NATO allies to provide Ukraine with the means to target Russian facilities, further signaling an alignment with Western interests against Russian policy. The deterioration of ties between the countries is encapsulated by recent actions and rhetoric, which reflect Finland’s commitment to supporting Ukraine amid increasing tensions.
Historically, the Aland Islands and Finland were part of the Russian Empire until the early 20th century. Since their independence following the Russian revolution, the islands have retained a unique cultural and political status within Finland. Russia maintains a consulate in Mariehamn, the capital of the Aland region, underscoring the significance of these islands in the broader context of Finnish-Russian relations. The recent incident regarding the embassy vandalism has reignited discussions about historical grievances, territorial claims, and the importance of diplomatic protocols in preserving peace.
Furthermore, the graffiti at the Finnish embassy included additional symbols and letters that possibly referenced Swedish political affiliations, specifically the Sweden Democrats party. Although some media outlets speculated about potential connections, party representatives denied involvement in the incident. This suggests that the vandalism may not solely reflect political tensions between Finland and Russia but could also involve broader regional dynamics involving Swedish political sentiments. As these events unfold, they further complicate the already fragile relations between Finland and Russia, prompting both nations to navigate a challenging geopolitical landscape.
