The Russian Federation has informed Finland's Ambassador, Antti Helanterä, of its decision to expel nine individuals working in Finland's diplomatic missions in Russia.

Additionally, Russia announced the cancellation of the authorization for Finland's Consulate General in St Petersburg, effective from October 1.

Russia's expulsions are deemed as a retaliatory measure in response to Finland's earlier decision, announced on June 6, to expel nine members of Russia's embassy personnel in Helsinki. The expelled Russian personnel were engaged in activities that violated the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, leading to their removal from Finland.

Notably, Russia's decision to expel individuals from Finland's diplomatic missions is unrelated to the activities of those working in Finland's diplomatic missions in Russia. The identities of the personnel to be expelled from Russia have not been disclosed, and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland will refrain from providing further details on the matter.

Simultaneously, Russia has declared the withdrawal of its support for the operations of Finland's Consulate General in St Petersburg, effective October 1, 2023. Finland intends to formulate a reciprocal measure in response.

During the meeting with the Russian Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Helanterä urged prompt resolution of the ongoing banking difficulties faced by Finland's diplomatic missions in Russia.

The diplomatic tensions between Russia and Finland have escalated, resulting in reciprocal expulsions of embassy personnel and the closure of the Consulate General in St Petersburg. The situation remains under close observation as both countries navigate these challenging circumstances. (ILKHA)