Finland lifts temporary Kotka maritime closure after drone threat

A temporary restriction on the sea area off Kotka in the eastern Gulf of Finland was imposed early on Saturday before 06:00 as a precaution against possible wayward drones. The Finnish Defence Forces said the measure was linked to the large‑scale drone attacks launched by Ukraine against Russia, and the area was also closed to air traffic.

No drones were detected in Finnish airspace. The restriction, which extended west to Kaunissaari, north to the Hamina harbour and east and south to the territorial water boundary, was lifted at 09:00 the same day. Fintraffic confirmed the reopening of the maritime zone.

The incident highlights Finland’s readiness to protect civilian safety and maintain operational conditions for authorities amid the broader Ukraine‑Russia conflict.