Finnish President: Drone Risk Spillover Requires Europe to Learn Defense from Ukraine
Finnish President Stubb described the entry of Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace as a spillover effect of the war, stating that Europe should strengthen its air defense capabilities. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue with Russia.
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- 📰 Published: May 16, 2026 at 18:08
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Central News Agency, Vilnius, 16th - Finnish President Alexander Stubb, during a recent visit to Lithuania, said in an interview with local media that the recent entry of Ukrainian drones into Baltic airspace is a spillover effect of the war, and Europe should strengthen its air defense and modern combat capabilities. He also stated that while Euro-Russian relations are unlikely to return to their pre-war state, he emphasized that Europe should still engage in dialogue to protect its own interests.
Stubb told Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) in an interview on the 14th that while airspace violations are of course concerning, the damage caused so far is limited. He stressed that Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense, and some of its actions have spilled over into surrounding areas, highlighting Europe's unpreparedness in dealing with the drone threat.
He described it as a "paradox" that Europe, while facing risks from Ukrainian drones, must also learn from Ukraine how to defend against them.
According to LRT, Stubb said he maintains close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Regarding the incident of a drone mistakenly entering Finnish airspace, Zelenskyy has explained it was caused by GPS jamming and has expressed his apologies.
He urged the public not to blame Ukraine. "Collateral damage is indeed unfortunate, but it is right for us to raise the issue and deal with it."
Regarding Russia's claim that Ukraine might attack the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Stubb stated in the interview that he would not comment on unverified intelligence, but emphasized that Finland would not allow its airspace, sea, or territory to be used for offensive actions, and believes that Lithuania and Poland share the same position.
Stubb is one of the political figures who advocate for Europe to resume dialogue with Russia. When asked by an LRT reporter what conditions Europe should set, Stubb said that it is impossible for Euro-Russian relations to return to their pre-war state.
He cited Finland as an example, noting that after the Russo-Ukrainian War began, Finland joined NATO, so its relationship with Russia cannot be restored to its original state. However, he believes that the conditions for talks with Russia are none other than ending the war and restoring diplomatic relations.
He pointed out that Ukraine is currently in a relatively advantageous position in the war, while Russia is weaker, which may create conditions for negotiations.
According to the report, Stubb also emphasized Europe's own interests, saying, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." As for who will talk and what the specific conditions will be, Stubb believes it is still too early to say, but he stressed the importance of participating in the dialogue. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150516
Stubb told Lithuanian National Radio and Television (LRT) in an interview on the 14th that while airspace violations are of course concerning, the damage caused so far is limited. He stressed that Ukraine is exercising its right to self-defense, and some of its actions have spilled over into surrounding areas, highlighting Europe's unpreparedness in dealing with the drone threat.
He described it as a "paradox" that Europe, while facing risks from Ukrainian drones, must also learn from Ukraine how to defend against them.
According to LRT, Stubb said he maintains close contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Regarding the incident of a drone mistakenly entering Finnish airspace, Zelenskyy has explained it was caused by GPS jamming and has expressed his apologies.
He urged the public not to blame Ukraine. "Collateral damage is indeed unfortunate, but it is right for us to raise the issue and deal with it."
Regarding Russia's claim that Ukraine might attack the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Stubb stated in the interview that he would not comment on unverified intelligence, but emphasized that Finland would not allow its airspace, sea, or territory to be used for offensive actions, and believes that Lithuania and Poland share the same position.
Stubb is one of the political figures who advocate for Europe to resume dialogue with Russia. When asked by an LRT reporter what conditions Europe should set, Stubb said that it is impossible for Euro-Russian relations to return to their pre-war state.
He cited Finland as an example, noting that after the Russo-Ukrainian War began, Finland joined NATO, so its relationship with Russia cannot be restored to its original state. However, he believes that the conditions for talks with Russia are none other than ending the war and restoring diplomatic relations.
He pointed out that Ukraine is currently in a relatively advantageous position in the war, while Russia is weaker, which may create conditions for negotiations.
According to the report, Stubb also emphasized Europe's own interests, saying, "If you're not at the table, you're on the menu." As for who will talk and what the specific conditions will be, Stubb believes it is still too early to say, but he stressed the importance of participating in the dialogue. (Editor: Tang Sheng-yang) 1150516