Finland clarifies stance on Ukraine strikes against Russia amid drone incidents

Finland has stated that it is not demanding Ukraine to suspend or scale back attacks on Russia’s oil infrastructure, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said in an interview with Yle and during a segment on the A-studio programme.

Valtonen emphasised that while Finland is focused on ensuring the safety of its citizens, it does not place restrictions on Ukraine regarding its choice of targets in Russia. She noted that Ukraine has the right to defend itself, and Finland is not imposing any demands on its ally in this regard.

Her comments come after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated on March 30 that Ukraine had received “signals” from some partners suggesting the possibility of reducing long-range strikes on Russia’s oil sector.

Finland is meanwhile strengthening its defences against drone incursions, with Valtonen projecting that a new system could be operational within a few months. The remarks follow incidents on March 29 in southeastern Finland, where two drones crashed—one in Kouvola and another in Luumäki. Authorities confirmed that at least one of the drones was Ukrainian, though the origin of the second remains uncertain.

Valtonen indicated that Finland’s overall security situation has not changed significantly since the drone incidents and that there is no evidence of deliberate hostile activity targeting the country. She suggested that the drones likely drifted into Finnish territory accidentally.

Acknowledging the understandable concern and fear caused by such incidents, Valtonen said that Finland’s defence forces and security authorities are taking the matter very seriously. She underlined that discussions with Ukraine aim to prevent future incidents and stressed that Finland will continue to take all measures necessary to remain a safe country for its residents.

By Sabina Mammadli