‘Legal lawlessness’: Russia demands Finland return seized artworks

By Larry John Brown

Published: April 8, 2022 | 10:02 PM GMT

Earlier on Thursday the Finnish ambassador to Russia, Antti Helantera, was summoned by the foreign ministry in Moscow over the seizure of valuables.

“We have stressed that what is happening cannot be called anything other than legal lawlessness,” the ministry said in a statement.

“Moscow is expecting an urgent decision of the Finnish authorities regarding the return of museum valuables to Russia.”

Anti Helantera

Finland seizes $46 million worth of artwork headed to Russia https://t.co/I9ZtP4Sotj pic.twitter.com/S6kgb9Llxl

— The Hill (@thehill) April 8, 2022

FINLAND FINDING A WAY TO RETURN ARTWORKS BACK TO RUSSIA

Three consignments of valuable art bound for Russia were seized by Finnish customs last weekend, suspected of contravening EU sanctions.

On Thursday afternoon, Finland’s Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto told reporters that Finland is in talks with Brussels to find a way to return the works to Russia as soon as possible.

“If there are paintings in circulation from museums that have been exhibited in other countries, they belong in those museums and should be returned there,” Haavisto said.

“The EU sanctions have not taken into account special circumstances such as these,” he added.

RUSSIAN ARTWORKS TO REMAIN IN FINLAND UNTIL THE SITUATION IS CLEAR

Having been on loan from Russian galleries to museums in Italy and Japan, the paintings, statues and antiques were being returned, with head of enforcement Sami Rakshit saying that some of the art came from Saint Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum.

The works of art will continue to be held in a warehouse until the situation is clarified or the sanctions are lifted, Finnish officials have said.

Finland seized works of art being transported back to Russia from exhibitions in Italy and Japan, officials said. The shipments, containing paintings and sculptures, are suspected of being subject to EU sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.https://t.co/4i8KiQT4SA

— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 7, 2022

About Larry John Brown

Larry John is a talented writer and journalist based in New York, USA. He is a valued contributor to TDPel Media, where he creates engaging and informative content for readers. Larry has a keen interest in current events, business, and technology, and he enjoys exploring these topics in-depth to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of the issues. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, precision, and attention to detail, which make his articles a pleasure to read. Larry’s passion for storytelling has earned him a reputation as a skilled writer and a respected authority in his field.