Russia has cut off electricity exports to Finland
Russia's electricity exports to Finland have been suspended today, according to the network operator.
Russia's utility company RA RAO announced last week that it would suspend exports to Finland, explaining that the country had not paid for electricity sold through the pan-European Nord Pool exchange since May 6.
Russian electricity supplies to Finland fell from 87 megawatts to zero, according to data from network operator Fingrid, which said the company could replace Russian supplies with Swedish electricity and boost domestic production.
They added that the suspension of Russian exports was due to payment restrictions imposed by Western countries.
"Because of these restrictions, Russian electricity can no longer be paid for. "Therefore, the suspension is more of a consequence than a Russian countermeasure," the statement said.
Russia has so far provided about 10 percent of Finland's electricity needs.
It is unclear whether Russia's move is related to Finland's bid to join NATO.
Finnish President Sauli Niinisto confirmed yesterday that his country would formally apply for NATO membership.
Speaking to the president, Finnish Prime Minister Sana Marin said she hoped the Finnish parliament would confirm its decision to apply for NATO membership in the next few days.