Russia wanted to sell Karelia to Finland.

Axar.az reports former deputy of Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia Andrey Fyodorov mentioned this during his speech.

According to him, this issue first was raised in July of 1991. He confirms that discussions on this issue were made secretly, but Finnish side had not participated in discussions.

"The Russian government was worried that there could start powerful movement towards autonomy desires and it could turn into extremist form. Moscow's "empty Soviet budget" as well forced them, the idea of selling of the region to Helsinki. The Russian government was looking over option about Kareliya to be sold to Finland for 15 billion USD. Eventually, this idea disappeared in 1994." - Mr. Fyodorov declared.