F
inland has introduced a ban on real estate transactions for Russian and Belarusian citizens, citing the need to strengthen national security. The decision was announced by Defense Minister Antti Edvard Häkkänen via X on July 15.

    The ban prohibits Russians and Belarusians from buying or selling property in Finland, with Häkkänen stating that it's a significant step towards enhancing national security. He emphasized that this measure has been in preparation for over two years, following his identification of a serious threat to Finland's security posed by Russian and Belarusian citizens.

    The ban applies to all types of real estate transactions and aims to reduce the risk of properties being used for subversive activities or espionage. Häkkänen noted that the need for such a ban existed before Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but was not officially acknowledged at the time due to various reasons.

    This move follows Latvia's approval of similar legislation, which bans Russian and Belarusian citizens from purchasing real estate in the country. The measure passed with a significant majority vote in Latvia's parliament.