Putin arrives today

Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Finland on Wednesday and will hold a meeting with President Sauli Niinistö.

The meeting of the presidents of the neighbouring countries will be held at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.

In addition to bilateral relations between Finland and Russia, they presidents will discuss regional and international issues.

Following their discussions, the presidents will hold a joint press conference. The visit will conclude with a dinner at the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress.

Niinistö and Putin last met in connection with the Arctic Forum in St. Petersburg in April 2019. President Putin last visited Finland for the #HELSINKI2018 meeting on 16 July 2018.

The visit of Russian president will affect traffic in Helsinki and Vantaa, the police said.

The most significant impacts will be on Mannerheimintie and in the surroundings of the presidential residence. The regular operations at the Helsinki Market Square will be closed for the whole day.

“Due to the traffic limitations, I advise against the use of private vehicles in the centre, or at least to prepare for long waiting times,” said Chief Inspector Heikki Porola of the Helsinki Police Department.

There will be convoys in the metropolitan area, which will cause traffic interruptions especially in the centre of Helsinki, but also on the lanes between Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and Helsinki city centre. There is no other traffic allowed on the convoy routes.

The Helsinki Market Square will be closed for all vehicles on Wednesday afternoon. The route to the South Harbour takes place via southern Helsinki on Tehtaankatu or on other routes as pointed out by the police.

Around noon, there will be following special traffic arrangements in the Helsinki city centre:

Aviation will be widely restricted in the Uusimaa region with temporary no-fly zones. The restrictions will begin Wednesday at 6:00 a.m. and end at midnight.