Representatives of the Russian administration have previously demanded the return of confiscated works of art. They have considered the seizure illegal and demanded compensation from Finland.
7.4. 13:54 • Updated 7.4. 14:28
Russia has invited Finland’s ambassador to Moscow for an interview over the seizure of works of art owned by Russian museums.
During the weekend, Finnish Customs stopped three transports containing works of art in Vaalimaa. Their total insurance value is EUR 42 million.
Customs said at a news conference on Wednesday that the works of art were considered to be subject to EU sanctions. A preliminary investigation has been launched into the case. A serious regulatory offense is suspected as a criminal offense. A dozen people are being heard, no one has been arrested.
Spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry Marija Zaharova said on Wednesday that Russia expects Finland to return the transportation of works of art soon. Zaharova described the seizure of works of art as illegal.
Zaharova’s statements on the matter have been widely reported in the Russian media.
Also the Speaker of the Russian Duma Vyacheslav Volodin demanded the return of the confiscated works to Russia and Finland for compensation for the confiscation.
Earlier, the Russian Ministry of Culture confirmed to the St. Petersburg online magazine Fontanka (you switch to another service)that the seized works include works by the Hermitage Gallery in St. Petersburg and the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow, which had been on display in Italy.
Some of the confiscated works had been rented for exhibition in Japan.
Russian news agency Tass (switch to another service)again, he spoke earlier about the reaction of the Russian president’s special envoy for international cultural cooperation to the seizure Mikhail Shvydkoi. He believed that the works would return to Russia as long as the bureaucracy caused by the sanctions was resolved.