Finland Freezes Nearly €3.7 Million in Russian Assets Following Naftogaz Legal Claim

Finland Takes Action to Freeze Russian Funds

According to Главком: In a move tied to a lawsuit by Ukraine's Naftogaz, Finland has frozen close to €3.7 million in Russian money. These funds, deposited by Russia under an EU cross-border cooperation program, had been held by the Finnish Ministry of Labour and the Economy prior to 2022. The program was shut down after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Naftogaz’s legal action stems from a 2023 ruling by the Hague Arbitration Court, which ordered Russia to pay the company over €4 billion. Moscow has refused to comply with that decision. The Helsinki District Court has now authorized enforcement of the arbitration award on Finnish soil-a significant step toward securing Naftogaz’s legal rights.

Seizures of Russian Property and International Rulings

Since 2024, Finland has recorded seizures of Russian assets exceeding €40 million, reflecting the country's active role in enforcing international court decisions. In March 2026, Naftogaz won a separate case against Gazprom worth more than $1.4 billion. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by Russian parties, adding further obstacles to Russia’s ability to avoid payments.

These developments highlight a growing trend among European nations to rigorously enforce international rulings, especially in light of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Finland, along with other EU member states, continues to take measures that uphold the rights of companies impacted by Russian aggression, reinforcing both its support for Ukraine and its commitment to international law.

The recent decision by Finland to freeze Russian assets is part of a broader effort to support Ukraine's legal claims. This follows a similar action where Finland seized €3.7 million in Russian funds and directed them toward Naftogaz. For more details on this significant development in the ongoing enforcement of international rulings, you can read about Finland's asset seizure and its implications for Naftogaz.