Finnish police drop criminal probe into Ukrainian-launched drone incidents

Finnish authorities have closed criminal investigations into four military drones that entered Finnish airspace and crashed in the country in spring 2026, concluding that they were Ukrainian and had not been deliberately targeted at Finland.

The National Bureau of Investigation and the Finnish Border Guard said the drones were blown off course after strong GNSS (satellite navigation) jamming was detected in the eastern Gulf of Finland, combined with prevailing weather conditions. Investigators said the wind was blowing almost directly from the south at the time, Caliber.Az reports per the Finnish police statement.

The drones entered Finland on March 29, March 31 and April 11, with debris found in southeastern Finland and the Päijät-Häme region. Authorities said all four drones were of the same military type and were believed to have been carrying explosives. Three were destroyed in controlled detonations.

Investigators established that the drones originated in Ukraine and were part of Ukraine’s military response to Russia’s war against Ukraine. However, they found no evidence that the aircraft had been intended to violate Finnish airspace.

Two additional drones were spotted near Virolahti, close to the Russian border, on May 3 before crossing into Russian territory. Although the incidents met the legal criteria for territorial violations, investigators found no evidence of deliberate action against Finland.

Finnish prosecutors therefore decided to close the cases following recommendations from investigators. Authorities stressed that the drones’ entry into Finnish airspace was unlawful, but said there was insufficient evidence to establish criminal liability.

No injuries or property damage were reported in any of the incidents.

By Sabina Mammadli