Finnish activist with city-funded ties attends St. Petersburg economic forum as “unofficial” representative

A Finnish activist with leadership roles in pro-Russia organizations attended this year’s St. Petersburg International Economic Forum as an “unofficial” representative of Finland, despite the country’s absence from the official participant list, reports Yle.

Jauri Varvikko, chair of the Helsinki-based neighborhood association Kaarela-Seura, posted on Facebook about his participation in the forum, which was hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Varvikko’s association receives annual funding from the City of Helsinki, including nearly €72,000 this year for community engagement and €6,000 for organizing the local Mätäjoki festival.

In his social media posts, Varvikko claimed Finns were running out of opportunities to engage with Russia, calling for restored relations and open borders. His attendance was also confirmed by Jussi Särkelä, a former Vantaa city councilor removed from the Social Democratic Party’s 2025 election slate over pro-Russia statements. Särkelä wrote on Facebook that Varvikko represented Finland “unofficially” and that they had signaled to the Kremlin their desire for a brief meeting between Varvikko and Putin.

Both Varvikko and Särkelä hold leadership positions in Suomen Uusi Strategia ry (New Strategy for Finland), a 2025-founded group advocating for “peace and disarmament.” The organization’s website, last updated in April, cites Russian Ambassador to Finland Pavel Kuznetsov. Varvikko also chairs Naapuriseura ry (Neighborhood Association), which operates Naapuriseuran Sanomat, a media outlet criticized for amplifying Russian state narratives, attacking Ukraine, and praising Putin’s policies.

Helsingin Sanomat previously reported that Varvikko attended a 2023 Victory Day reception at the Russian Embassy in Helsinki. Yle’s requests for comment from Varvikko and Särkelä went unanswered, though Varvikko later posted about the inquiry on Facebook.

The City of Helsinki stated that Varvikko’s political activities had not surfaced in the Mätäjoki festival’s programming or funding applications. “No content violating grant terms has emerged in the festival’s materials,” said Ilpo Kiiskinen, communications director for Helsinki’s culture and leisure division.

While Kaarela-Seura describes itself as non-political—focusing on local development, nature conservation, and history—its Tanotorvi local paper, edited by Varvikko, has published political commentary. A 2022 editorial by Varvikko warned against Finland’s NATO accession, predicting “new frosts” in relations with Russia.