Anna Jarovaja, a journalist originally from Petrozavodsk, moved to Finland in 2018 with her partner Gleb Jarovoi, escaping the oppressive environment created by Russian authorities in the Republic of Karelia. The climate at the time was hostile to independent journalism, a situation that intensified after the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While Gleb secured a position at the University of Joensuu, Anna contributed to various publications. In 2024, Anna and her children obtained Finnish citizenship, though Gleb only holds a permanent residency permit.

The recent geopolitical tensions have further complicated their lives, particularly following Finland's closure of its eastern border to prevent an influx of asylum seekers from Russia in December 2023. This action caused Anna distress as she wished to keep in touch with her family back in Petrozavodsk and retaliate against the reported changes caused by the Ukraine war in her homeland. Anna aims to gather material for a book she is writing about the effects of the conflict on the region, highlighting her emotional connection to Karelia and her desire to meet her parents at least once a year in Petrozavodsk.

Contrary to her hope for continued connection, Anna has faced probing inquiries from the FSB, indicating that her activities and intentions are being monitored due to her background and her journalistic endeavors. The level of interest in her work, particularly regarding Finnish media, raises concerns about the broader implications for journalists of Russian origin operating outside Russia and their struggles under authoritarian scrutiny.