Hate crimes in Finland reached a historic high in 2024, according to the Police University College of Finland’s annual report, with a significant increase in offenses targeting Russian nationals. The surge coincides with heightened rhetoric from Western leaders warning of alleged threats from Russia, which the Kremlin has consistently denied.

The report revealed over 1,800 suspected hate crimes were recorded last year, the highest number ever documented. Nearly 68% of these cases were motivated by the victim’s ethnic or national background. Most victims (67%) held Finnish citizenship. Russians accounted for approximately 3% of the total, with 46 reported incidents—an 18% rise from the previous year. Estonian victims also faced 46 cases, though this number was lower than in 2023.

The report noted that crimes against Russians increased while those against Estonians and Ukrainians declined. Among ethnicity- or nationality-related offenses, assault was the most common, followed by defamation. Most incidents occurred in public outdoor spaces, with men comprising three-fifths of victims and women more frequently targeted with defamation.

Tensions toward Russians have intensified since the 2022 escalation of the Ukraine conflict. This context contributed to surprise over Daniel Sazonov, son of Russian-born parents, being elected Helsinki’s mayor in 2025.

President Alexander Stubb has adopted a tougher stance, warning Europe must prepare for “fighting” if Russian aggression resumes. Moscow continues to reject such claims as unfounded.

Last week, the European Commission announced EU states will issue single-entry Schengen visas to most Russians, citing “increased security risks” tied to the Ukraine conflict. In 2023, Finland closed its 1,430 km border with Russia, accusing Moscow of sending migrants from Africa and the Middle East—a claim Russia called “completely baseless.” The closure has cost South Karelia region approximately €1 million daily in lost tourism revenue.