Russia has expressed its outrage towards Finland following an incident where a Russian flag was burned during a protest in front of the Russian embassy in Helsinki. This protest coincided with the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In response, the Russian Foreign Ministry summoned the Finnish ambassador, Marja Liivala, on Friday to discuss the matter further.

The Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that they received a note of protest from Russia and that the ambassador provided information about the incident. Additionally, they outlined the legal avenues Finland could take in response to Russian concerns regarding the incident. The Finnish government condemned the act of vandalism, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring the safety of foreign diplomatic missions and their personnel within its borders.

This incident highlights the strained relations between Russia and Finland, especially in the context of ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine war. The burning of the flag, seen as a provocative act, reinforces existing diplomatic rifts, and both nations are navigating their responses in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.