Zelenskyy speaks with Finnish president after drone incident

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said he held a phone call with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb after an incident in which several drones had crossed into Finnish territory.

Zelenskyy pointed out the need for coordination in Europe.

"That is exactly what we are doing with Alex. I briefed him on the meetings and negotiations in the Middle East and the Gulf region that I had in recent days. There are already strategic agreements in place, and our contribution to security and stabilisation can be significant," Zelenskyy wrote on X.

For his part, Stubb shared his updates.

"Security comes first, and right now, when the world is so destabilised, not a single day can be wasted – we need joint actions and joint results. We are preparing communication formats with other European leaders," he added.

Both presidents also discussed work on cooperation with the US track.

"Of course, we also discussed the drone incident that recently took place on Finnish territory. Alex and I see the situation in the same way. We are sharing all necessary information," he concluded.

The Finnish Air Force identified one of the objects that violated the country's airspace on the afternoon of 29 March. It turned out to be a Ukrainian AN-196 Liutyi drone.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the drones that fell on Finnish territory on 29 March are probably Ukrainian, as Ukraine had been attacking Russian facilities in Leningrad Oblast, which borders Finland.

It was announced later that the Finnish parliament's Defence Committee will hold an extraordinary meeting on 31 March to discuss current defence issues, including the drone incidents. Finland's president also issued a public statement on drones that had strayed into Finnish territory.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said it had apologised to the Finnish side over the incident.