Finland restricts air and maritime traffic in Gulf of Finland over drone concerns

Finland imposed temporary restrictions on air and maritime traffic in the Gulf of Finland on Saturday due to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia, defence minister Antti Häkkänen told public broadcaster Yle.

Häkkänen said Finland has strengthened surveillance and preparedness to counter drones, involving the Defence Forces, the Border Guard, and other authorities. The restrictions, lasting about four hours, were a precaution, he added.

“We were ready to intercept drones using fighters, helicopters, and naval equipment if any strayed into our territory. In the end, none did, so this was a precautionary measure,” Häkkänen said.

This was the second airspace restriction in the Gulf of Finland within a week. According to the Kyiv Independent, Ukraine reportedly targeted an oil terminal in St. Petersburg with drones early Saturday. Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have contributed to fuel shortages in Russia.

Häkkänen warned that such drone incidents are likely to continue in Finland’s vicinity. “Ukraine will very likely continue these successful strikes against Russia. They see that Russia is suffering significant losses, and this increases pressure on Russia to seek peace,” he said.

The restrictions were based on a risk assessment by defence authorities, which may require clearing airspace and maritime areas of potential stray drones. Häkkänen advised the public to stay informed through official notices and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom.

He noted that the risk level on Saturday did not warrant widespread public alerts, unlike a drone warning issued in Uusimaa in May. “In this week’s events, the risk was not high enough to justify direct warnings to all citizens,” Häkkänen said.