Finland intensifies Gulf of Finland restrictions as Ukrainian drone strikes persist

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. Daily Finland confirms that similar four-hour restrictions were also imposed on Saturday morning, reflecting an ongoing pattern of heightened alert due to potential drone threats. Since May, the FDF has requested the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) to enforce such restrictions at least ten times, with maritime traffic restricted seven times and aviation typically limited off the coast of Kotka and Hamina (Ilta-Sanomat).