April 14, 2025

Finn-ancial Crisis?


Finn-ancial Crisis?
Finnish and Russia border posts glare at each other. The Russian Life files

On April 11, the parliament of Finland unanimously enacted a law that prevents Russian citizens from owning real estate in Finland.

The new statute states that any citizen of a country engaged in an "aggressive war and who may pose a threat to the country's [that is, Finland's] national security" may not purchase real estate. Those with dual citizenship or permanent residency are exempt, but are still subject to investigation should they choose to buy property.

The goal seems to be to specifically target wealthy Russians, many of whom are a part of the Putin regime, from making investment purchases.

Finland, which shares a 830-mile-long border with Russia, has turned closer and closer towards the West since Russia began its war in Ukraine. In May 2022, just a couple months after the invasion began, Finland reversed its decades-long neutrality and joined NATO.

More recently, Finland has shored up its border fences and prevented cars with Russian plates from entering the country.

Tensions continue to simmer.

 

You Might Also Like

What's in a Fame?
  • November 20, 2023

What's in a Fame?

An internet metric names the most famous historical person from Russia. They aren't Russian.
A Finnish Finish
  • October 03, 2017

A Finnish Finish

Our last stop on the Children of 1917 expedition was Finland, namely Tampere, the country's second largest city, where we met our final two heroes.
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

A Taste of Russia
November 01, 2012

A Taste of Russia

The definitive modern cookbook on Russian cuisine has been totally updated and redesigned in a 30th Anniversary Edition. Layering superbly researched recipes with informative essays on the dishes' rich historical and cultural context, A Taste of Russia includes over 200 recipes on everything from borshch to blini, from Salmon Coulibiac to Beef Stew with Rum, from Marinated Mushrooms to Walnut-honey Filled Pies. A Taste of Russia shows off the best that Russian cooking has to offer. Full of great quotes from Russian literature about Russian food and designed in a convenient wide format that stays open during use.

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

Driving Down Russia's Spine
June 01, 2016

Driving Down Russia's Spine

The story of the epic Spine of Russia trip, intertwining fascinating subject profiles with digressions into historical and cultural themes relevant to understanding modern Russia. 

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955