Finland temporarily restricted air and maritime traffic over the eastern Gulf of Finland on Saturday morning after Ukrainian drone attacks targeted sites near St Petersburg, prompting the Finnish Defence Forces to increase air surveillance along the country’s south-eastern coast.<\/p>\n
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The restrictions were introduced shortly after 5am and remained in place for about four hours before being lifted at 9.18am.<\/p>\n
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The Finnish Defence Forces said<\/a> the temporary measures were taken as a precaution to safeguard public safety and ensure authorities could operate without disruption. Officials said the restrictions were linked to Ukraine’s ongoing defence against Russia but declined to disclose operational details.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n Defence Forces spokesperson Jere Paldanius said there was no indication that any drones had entered Finnish airspace.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n “There are currently no drones observed in Finnish airspace,” Paldanius told Yle<\/a>. “We cannot completely rule out that drones could stray into Finland. If anyone finds a drone, for example on the ground, they should contact the emergency services.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The military also increased air surveillance over the eastern Gulf of Finland during the operation.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n The Finnish measures coincided with one of Ukraine’s longest-range drone operations of the war.<\/p>\n
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