The Kremlin intends to file a legal objection to the seizure by Finnish authorities of Russian-state-owned properties located around Finland, news agency Reuters has reported.
Finnish media reported on Monday that Finland's National Enforcement Authority seized a number of properties following compensation claims made by the Ukrainian state-owned gas firm Naftogaz.
Naftogaz has demanded more than five billion euros in compensation after Russia's invasion of the Crimea in 2014 led to the firm losing gas reserves, pipelines and warehouses.
Helsingin Sanomat noted that the properties seized include the Russian Centre of Science and Culture in Helsinki, as well as a 17 hectare seaside plot near the naval base at Upiniemi.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Russia will mount a legal challenge to Finland's decision to seize the properties.
"Of course, we will dispute this in court. Naturally, the Russian Federation will defend its property interests, so we will use all legal mechanisms to protect our interests," Peskov told reporters.
The International Court of Arbitration, based in The Hague, ordered Russia to pay Naftogaz more than five billion euros in compensation in a ruling handed down in April 2023.
The Ukrainian firm has since the ruling called on Western countries to seize Russian assets located within their borders.
"Since Russia refuses to pay the amounts owed under the award, we will continue to leverage all available mechanisms to ensure recovery of these funds in target jurisdictions hosting Russian assets," Naftogaz CEO Oleksiy Chernyshov said in a statement.