HELSINKI, May 14, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Russia suspended electricity supplies to 
Finland overnight after its energy firm RAO Nordic threatened to cut off 
supplies over payment arrears, an official for Finland's grid operator told 
AFP on Saturday.

   "It is at zero at the moment, and that started from midnight as planned," 
Timo Kaukonen, manager for operational planning at Fingrid, said.

   RAO Nordic had Friday said it would suspend supplies, citing problems with 
payments, as Helsinki prepares to announce its application for NATO 
membership in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

   But the shortfall was being made up by imports from Sweden. Finland 
imports about 10 percent of its power from Russia.

   RAO Nordic says it has not been paid for electricity since May 6 but has 
not spelt out if this was linked to European sanctions against Russia. 

   Moscow's February 24 invasion has swung political and public opinion in 
Finland and Sweden in favour of NATO membership as a deterrent against 
Russian aggression. 

   Both countries have long cooperated with the Western military alliance and 
are expected to be able to join it quickly. 

   NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg has repeatedly said they would be welcomed 
"with open arms".