Russian President Vladimir Putin has named Pavel Kuznetsov the country’s new diplomat to Finland. Kuznetsov, who is fluent in Finnish and English, had previously been deployed in Finland twice.
He was assigned to Finland as a diplomat representing the then-Soviet Union from 1980 to 1985, and from 1991 – 1996 as the Russian ambassador.
The 59 year-old is a graduate of the Moscow State Institute of International Relations Mgimo. He was also ambassador to Slovakia and an advisor in the Russian embassy in Tallinn, Estonia.
Kuznetsov succeeds Ambassador Aleksandr Rumjantsevia, who was in the position for 11 years since 2006.
Kuznetsov’s appointment was first reported Helsingin Sanomat.