Finland Partially Closed Air and Sea in Gulf of Finland Due to Ukrainian Attack Near St. Petersburg

Finnish Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen confirmed that the temporary restrictions on air and sea traffic in the Gulf of Finland on the morning of July 4 were related to a Ukrainian drone attack on targets in Russian territory near St. Petersburg.

According to YLE, Häkkänen explained that the measures were precautionary and that the situation did not warrant an air raid warning for residents of coastal areas. The Finnish military did not detect any violations of the country's airspace.

"We were prepared to counter the drones using fighters, helicopters, and naval equipment if they had gone off course. But they did not," the minister said.

Häkkänen noted that such precautionary measures are likely to become more frequent. "Ukraine will probably continue these successful strikes on Russia. They see that Russia is suffering considerable damage, and thus pressure on Russia to achieve peace will increase. So I believe the attacks will continue," he added. "Finns must be prepared for the fact that drone incidents near our borders will definitely continue."

The restrictions were in effect from 5:18 a.m. to 9:18 a.m. local time on July 4. This was the second such episode within a week; similar measures were taken early on July 2.

On the night of July 4, Russian authorities reported a drone attack on Moscow, and later strikes near St. Petersburg were confirmed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the targets included port oil infrastructure that enables Russia to fund the war and a military base in Kronstadt.