Former Finnish Lawmaker Plans to Seek Russian Citizenship

Former Finnish parliament member Ano Turtiainen has announced his intention to seek Russian citizenship, according to Russian state media outlet Ria Novosti. Turtiainen and his wife, Minna Turtiainen, previously traveled to Russia last autumn and were granted refugee status.

Turtiainen, who was elected to parliament in 2019 on the Finns Party list, was later expelled from the parliamentary group. This action followed his publication of a derogatory image of George Floyd, who died in U.S. police custody. He subsequently founded the "Power Belongs to the People" party but was later dismissed from it, with his pro-Russia stance cited as a reason.

“

Ano Turtiainen says he plans to seek Russian citizenship.

In Finland, Turtiainen has faced legal challenges, with attempts to bring him to trial for charges related to his social media posts inciting hatred against a group. Court sessions have been repeatedly postponed due to his absence. A new attempt to schedule a hearing is set for May 6, 2027.

Adding to his recent activities, Turtiainen has been posting pro-Russia content on social media. Finnish Russia researchers, interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat, interpreted Turtiainen's actions in Russia last December as a tool of Kremlin propaganda. Meanwhile, in Finland, the Turtiaiens' apartment in Mikkeli was taken over by the housing company due to unpaid maintenance fees.

“

The researchers interpreted Turtiainen's actions in Russia as a tool of Kremlin propaganda.