Brussels – Finland is set to receive an expert delegation from Ukraine to enhance its capabilities in drone defense, following a meeting between Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in Brussels on May 11, 2026. The agreement stems from Finland's concerns over drones straying into its territory, an issue amplified by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Foreign Minister Valtonen announced the cooperation on social media, stating, > "Tapasin 🇺🇦 ulkoministerin @andrii_sybiha Brysselissä. Sovimme, että Ukraina lähettää Suomeen asiantuntijadelegaation jakamaan osaamistaan droonitorjunnassa." She further emphasized Finland's support for Ukraine's defense efforts while highlighting the serious problem posed by drones inadvertently entering Finnish airspace.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha confirmed Ukraine's readiness to share its extensive experience, noting his country's reported 90% effectiveness in intercepting mass drone attacks. He elaborated that recent drone incidents, particularly those affecting Baltic states, involved Ukrainian drones allegedly diverted from their intended targets by Russian electronic warfare. This expertise is now being offered to Finland to bolster its airspace protection.
The meeting also encompassed broader discussions on the peace process, Europe's evolving role, and the battlefield situation in Ukraine. Sybiha underscored Ukraine's commitment to reforms for European Union accession and advocated for the swift opening of negotiation clusters. The initiative to send drone defense experts is part of Ukraine's broader strategy to deepen defense cooperation with European partners, having previously offered similar assistance to Baltic states.
This collaboration highlights the practical security challenges faced by European nations adjacent to the conflict zone and the strategic value of Ukraine's battlefield experience. The move is expected to strengthen Finland's defensive posture against unauthorized drone incursions, leveraging Ukraine's advanced counter-drone techniques developed under wartime conditions.
