Moscow has summoned Finland's ambassador, Marja Liivala, following the seizing by Finnish authorities of properties owned by the Russian state.
News agency Reuters, citing information from the Russian Foreign Ministry as well as Russia's state-owned broadcaster Ria Novosti, reported that the property seizures are the reason why the Finnish ambassador was summoned.
Finland's National Enforcement Authority began seizing a number of Russian-state-owned properties last week due to compensation claims made by the Ukrainian state-owned gas firm Naftogaz.
The International Court of Arbitration in The Hague ordered Russia to pay Naftogaz more than five billion euros in compensation for the damage caused to gas infrastructure by the occupation of Crimea. Naftogaz has since the ruling called on Western countries to seize Russian assets located within their borders.
Helsingin Sanomat reported on Tuesday that the estimated value of the property seized by Finnish authorities is 35.5 million euros.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Tuesday 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 said.
Finnish media also reported that the Russian Embassy in Helsinki has forwarded an official diplomatic note to the Finnish Foreign Ministry in the wake of the seizures.
Finland's National Enforcement Authority has stated that properties enjoying diplomatic status have been excluded from the seizure order, which was issued by Helsinki District Court on 13 August.