×
Enjoying ad-free content?
Since July 1, 2024, we have disabled all ads to improve your reading experience.
This commitment costs us $10,000 a month. Your support can help us fill the gap.
Support us
Our journalism is banned in Russia. We need your help to keep providing you with the truth.

Finland Says Russian Airspace Breaches Are Intentional

Finland accused Russia on Thursday of violating its airspace for the third time in less than a week, saying it would demand an explanation for what the defense minister termed an unacceptable incursion.

Finland scrambled jets to identify the Russian plane it suspected of crossing over, which it called a state aircraft —— a term that refers to those used in military, customs and police services.

"We will express the fact that from our perspective, this is totally unacceptable," minister Carl Haglund said according to the online edition of newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.

The Russian Defense Ministry was not immediately available for comment.

Haglund's remarks came as Ukraine's president accused Russia on Thursday of bringing troops across the countries' border in support of pro-Moscow separatist rebels.

Haglund said the frequency of the incidents suggested the breaches of Finnish airspace were intentional.

Helsinki accused Moscow of similar incursions on Saturday and Monday, with the Finnish border guard saying the latter episode was a clear violation. It describes incursions as suspected until it has analyzed all relevant data.

"It is very difficult to see it as a matter of coincidence. Unfortunately, due to the lack of valid explanations, it seems there is some intentionality involved," Haglund told the newspaper.

He also said Finland would step up airborne monitoring of flights within its airspace.

In all, Finland has now accused Russia of violating its airspace five times since the Ukraine crisis started in February, although the border agency concluded that two instances in May were likely to have been accidental.

Such violations usually happen a few times each year, but three within a week is highly unusual.

Finland shares a 1,300-kilometer border with Russia and maintains generally cordial relations with its former ruler, but Finland's defense forces are reported to have stepped up surveillance due to the Ukraine crisis.

On Wednesday, Finland increased its cooperation with the NATO Atlantic alliance, entering into a framework arrangement to outline cooperation in emergencies.

Sign up for our free weekly newsletter

Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysiss and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview
Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy

A Message from The Moscow Times:

Dear readers,

We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."

These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.

We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.

Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.

By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.

Once
Monthly
Annual
Continue
paiment methods
Not ready to support today?
Remind me later.

Read more