Finland restricted traffic in the Gulf of Finland early on Friday after Ukrainian drones struck logistics facilities near St Petersburg, extending the immediate security consequences of the war to the maritime and airspace of a neighbouring NATO member.
The Finnish Defence Forces (Puolustusvoimat) introduced temporary restrictions on aviation and maritime traffic in the eastern part of the gulf at 2:46 am on 24 July. According to Yle, the precautionary measure was lifted at 6:56 am after the authorities detected no drones entering Finnish territory.
Finland restricts Gulf of Finland airspace and shipping
The restricted area extended from Kaunissaari in the west to the port of Hamina in the north and Finland’s territorial boundary in the east and south, Yle reported.
The Finnish Defence Forces said the closure was intended to protect civilians and preserve the authorities’ ability to respond safely if drones entered Finnish airspace.
No drones were detected on the Finnish side of the border while the restrictions were in force.
The closure coincided with naval firing exercises by Finland’s Coastal Fleet (Rannikkolaivasto) in the same maritime area. The annual Kotka Maritime Festival (Kotkan Meripäivät) was also taking place nearby, increasing civilian activity along the southeastern coast.
Ukrainian drones strike Wildberries logistics centres
The Finnish restrictions followed a large Ukrainian drone operation against targets in Russia during the night between Thursday and Friday.
Two logistics centres operated by Wildberries, Russia’s largest online retailer, were hit in the St Petersburg area. Fires were reported at facilities in Utkin Zavod, south of the city, and in the district of Shushary, according to Yle.
Regional authorities confirmed that three people were injured, while Wildberries temporarily suspended operations at both logistics centres, Reuters reported.
Around 50 flights were delayed at St Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport during the attacks. Wildberries facilities were also reportedly targeted in Tver, northwest of Moscow, and in Simferopol in Russian-occupied Crimea, according to Yle and The Kyiv Independent.
Why Ukraine considers Wildberries a military target
Ukraine says Wildberries forms part of the logistics infrastructure supporting Russia’s armed forces.
The company’s online marketplace sells equipment that can be used by military personnel, including drone components, body armour, night-vision equipment, boots, tents and other protective supplies. Ukrainian authorities argue that Russian soldiers also buy equipment through the platform because the military does not provide all the material they need, Yle reported.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously said that Wildberries warehouses were being used to supply navigation equipment, drone-production components and other material to the Russian military, according to Reuters.
Russia and Wildberries deny that the company handles military supplies. They describe the warehouses as civilian commercial infrastructure.
The attacks have nevertheless placed the retailer at the centre of Ukraine’s campaign against Russia’s logistics networks. Reuters reported that five Wildberries warehouses, representing around 10% of the company’s logistics capacity, had been attacked since 18 July.
Drone warfare increasingly affects Finland
Friday’s closure was not an isolated measure. Finland has repeatedly imposed temporary air and maritime restrictions in the eastern Gulf of Finland during Ukrainian attacks on Russian targets close to the border.
Several drones have previously strayed into southeastern Finland after Ukrainian operations against Russian energy and port infrastructure. In May, the Finnish Defence Forces said they had avoided intercepting drones close to the border because ammunition or debris could have fallen inside Russian territory, according to Yle.
Finland supports Ukraine’s right to defend itself against Russia’s invasion, but Finnish officials have also called on Kyiv to reduce the risk of drones entering Finnish territory, Yle reported.
The latest restrictions show how long-range Ukrainian strikes around St Petersburg can create immediate security and transport consequences for Finland, even when no territorial violation occurs. As Ukraine expands its campaign against Russian logistics and industrial facilities, temporary closures and reinforced surveillance may become increasingly common along NATO’s northeastern border.
