**Finnish Government Blocks Russian Real Estate Purchases**
The Finnish government has stopped two Russian citizens from buying properties in the country. The Ministry of Defense made this decision due to national security concerns.
Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen blocked the sale of six properties, including one in Pargas and five in Kokemäki. Both buyers were Russian citizens. However, the Ministry did not say if these properties were for residential or espionage purposes.
Russia is known to use real estate near military sites for spying activities. The Ministry issued two negative permit decisions on December 10, 2024, due to concerns about foreign buyers from outside the European Union and the European Economic Area.