Photo credit: 1tv.ru
Russia is closing the offices of the Finnish Consulate General, which operate in Petrozavodsk and Murmansk. Their work stops in a month, from July, 1, according to the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry.
This measure was a response to the confrontational course of actions chosen by Helsinki. The Foreign Ministry explained that it caused severe damage to bilateral relations with Russia.
Russian diplomats recalled that Finland had initiated the curtailment of the dialogue in the political sphere. Cooperation in trade and the economy has also collapsed. Transport communication, both aviation and railway, has stopped. The ties between the twin cities of the two countries have been destroyed.
A significant role in the deterioration of relations with Moscow was played by Finland's decision to join NATO, which is openly hostile towards Russia. The Finnish authorities are obstructing the normal work of Russian diplomats and businessmen, in addition, the authorities are not able to ensure the safety of Russian missions.
Finland stopped issuing Schengen visas to Russians and banned Russian tourists with such visas from entering the country. All this led to a reduction in the mutual consular presence, the Foreign Ministry explained. Russia lays responsibility for the current situation on Helsinki.
Russkiy Mir
