Ukraine attacks Russian Baltic ports
In recent days, facilities in the Russian Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga came under renewed attack and were set on fire by Ukrainian drones. Several drones crashed inside Finnish territory. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo suggested that Russia’s capabilities for “electronic jamming” were causing Ukrainian drones to veer off course, describing this as a “serious matter”.
A resounding success for Kyiv
The Ukrainian drone attacks have humiliated Russia, observes Ilta-Sanomat:
“From Ukraine’s perspective, its attacks on the Leningrad Oblast were a resounding success. Russia was unable to repel all the Ukrainian drones, even at a time when Primorsk and Ust-Luga [in the Gulf of Finland] were already under fire and further drones were expected. From Russia’s perspective, the attacks were a massive humiliation. This fuels Putin’s thirst for revenge and his willingness to take risks.”
The Baltic needs better protection
The Baltic Sea needs better protection, writes Jyllands-Posten:
“This is not the first time we have been reminded of the Baltic Sea’s role in this war – and of how suddenly the region can be drawn into the conflict. The explosion of three sections of the German-Russian Nord Stream gas pipeline in September 2022 remains one of the great mysteries of this war. ... The next front line in the defence against Putin’s militaristic ambitions lies in the Baltic Sea region, and there is much to be done here in the near future. Not least, we must arm ourselves against Russian hybrid attacks and assaults on our infrastructure. At the same time, increased cooperation with our partners is required in order to pursue a more resolute policy towards the [Russian] shadow fleet.”
The Kremlin is responsible
Russia is to blame for stray Ukrainian drones, writes Iltalehti:
“Fortunately, the number of civilian casualties has remained low so far, but stray missiles and drones have caused considerable damage to property in Romania and elsewhere. ... Finland and Ukraine’s other partners need to remain realistic about this situation: 100-percent protection against drones is not possible. But even if drone attacks pose a security threat, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture: as long as Russia continues its brutal war of aggression and forces Ukraine to launch counter-strikes, the blame for drones reaching Finland lies squarely with the Kremlin.”