Finland restricts traffic in Gulf of Finland following Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia
The Finnish Defence Forces (FDF) implemented temporary aviation and maritime restrictions in the eastern Gulf of Finland early Friday morning, citing precautionary measures in response to Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia. The restrictions were introduced at 02:46 and lifted at 06:56, according to Yle.
The FDF stated that the measures were taken to ensure the safety of bystanders and maintain operational conditions for authorities in the event of potential drone countermeasures. MTV Uutiset reports that such restrictions have become more frequent in recent months, with seven similar temporary zones imposed in the eastern Gulf of Finland since May. Each restriction has lasted only a few hours, based on situational assessments to safeguard public safety.
The latest restrictions followed a series of drone attacks by Ukraine on Russian territory overnight. Yle reports that Ukraine targeted two logistics centres belonging to the Russian online retailer Wildberries in the St. Petersburg area. Eyewitnesses described the facilities as being on fire, and St. Petersburg’s regional governor, Alexander Beglov, confirmed that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) had struck the city. Ukraine has stated that Wildberries’ warehouses are legitimate military targets due to the company’s supply of goods to the Russian army.
Military preparedness in the region
The FDF has repeatedly enforced temporary restrictions in the Gulf of Finland, particularly near Kotka, where maritime and aviation activity has been affected. MTV Uutiset notes that the sound of Finnish Hornet fighter jets has become a common occurrence in the area as the Defence Forces prepare to intercept stray drones.
Despite the early morning restrictions, scheduled military drills by the Finnish Coast Guard and the FDF are still planned to proceed in the same area off Kotka’s coast (Yle). The FDF has emphasised that the implementation of restricted zones is part of a broader safety assessment, ensuring that authorities can respond effectively to potential threats without endangering third parties.