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 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. 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.