Tensions between Helsinki and Moscow are escalating after two Russian MiG fighter jets “violated airspace” on Thursday and were reported in the Gulf of Finland, near to Porvoo.
Finnish communications chief Kristian Vakkuri told Reuters the two fighter jets travelling westbound, adding, “The depth of the suspected violation into Finnish airspace was one kilometre.”
The Russian Interfax news agency reported the fighter jets were carrying Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, which were being moved to Kaliningrad.
Finland and Sweden announced this year their intention to join NATO as a result of Vladimir Putin’s invasion in Ukraine, which has sparked anger in Moscow.
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, said, “We condemn the irresponsible course of the North Atlantic Alliance that is ruining the European architecture, or what’s left of it.”
He added, “I have a great deal of doubt as to whether the upcoming period will be calm for our north European neighbours.”
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