Russian ship violates Finnish waters amid GPS interference

The research vessel of the Russian Baltic Fleet "Mikhail Kazansky" violated Finnish territory in the last days of July during an operation in the eastern zone of the Gulf of Finland. According to information provided by the Finnish Coast Guard, there was significant interference with GPS signal reception during the incident.

For a few minutes, the Russian vessel was in Finnish waters, moving a distance of approximately 1.6 kilometres, which was confirmed by the local border guard.

This incident took place on 26 July near the port of Kotka. "Mikhail Kazansky" was on a course from Gogland Island towards Vyborg when it deviated from international waters and entered Finnish waters – according to the statement. Despite attempts to establish radio contact, the vessel did not respond to the calls" – it was emphasized.

Eventually, a Finnish Coast Guard patrol managed to direct the Russian vessel back to the open sea using, among other things, sign language. The navigation conditions that day favoured manoeuvring engine-powered vessels. During the investigation, the Russians admitted that their ship experienced "technical problems" and "apologised for the incident".

Additionally, Finnish authorities reported that strong GPS signal interference was recorded on 26 July, affecting both the Coast Guard and civilian boats. The Finnish authorities conveyed that it could not be confirmed or ruled out that the Russian vessel was involved at this stage.

Last year, Finnish media also reported that Russia intensified military activities on Gogland Island, located in the eastern segment of the Gulf of Finland, including installing a radar station. Journalistic investigations suggest that GPS signal interference, which negatively affected air traffic in the southern part of Finland, might have originated from this island.