A set of works estimated at 42 million euros have been blocked at the border between the two countries as part of the sanctions imposed by the Europeans following the invasion of Ukraine.
Valuable works of art are stuck at Vaalimaa, the busiest border crossing between Finland and Russia. Finnish authorities announced on Wednesday that they had seized several pieces belonging to Russian museums as part of European sanctions against Moscow. Seizures “include works that cannot be appraised, they are priceless”explains Hannu Sinkkonen, director of the Customs Law Enforcement Department.
For insurance reasons, these pieces still have an estimated value: 42 million euros. Some come from the prestigious Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg. These works returned to Russia via Finland, after being loaned to museums in Italy and Japan. Customs said the transfer risked contravening sanctions imposed in mid-March by the European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Until the situation is clarified or the sanctions are lifted, the works will be stored in a safe place. “Professionals have been consulted to move and store the goods”assure the Finnish customs, promising not to undo the wooden packaging around the precious works.
In addition, 21 yachts have not been able to leave Finland since the start of European sanctions, in order to also check whether they belong to the Russian citizens concerned. One of them was seized.