Finnish Defence Forces did not attempt to intercept unidentified drones entering Finnish airspace near Virolahti on 3 May 2026 due to proximity to the Russian border.

On 3 May 2026, several unidentified drones entered Finnish airspace near Virolahti, flying along the Finnish-Russian border towards the eastern Gulf of Finland. The Finnish Defence Forces chose not to intercept or engage the drones as they operated near the Russian border, citing peacetime rules prohibiting interception that could push threats into Russian airspace. A temporary no-fly zone was established near Kotka and Hamina to enable clearer defensive measures. The border breach is under investigation by the Finnish Border Guard, while the Defence Forces declined to confirm drone identification details. The drones' route did not continue inland but rather followed the border eastwards back toward Russia. This incident occurred days after a Ukrainian drone strike targeted the Russian Primorsk oil port. Finnish officials emphasize the incident is part of complex regional tensions but showed restraint in response due to international law and risk of escalation.