Russian Duma member warns Finland of retaliation over drone pact with Ukraine

Andrei Kolesnik, a member of Russia's Duma Defense Committee, issued a fresh warning to Finland, claiming the country's drone cooperation with Ukraine could invite Russian attacks on Finnish factories. The pact, signed by President Alexander Stubb and President Volodymyr Zelensky during a UN General Assembly meeting, includes joint development of weapons intended for use against Russia. Kolesnik argued that such actions are "extremely serious" and could be "lethal," echoing a November threat that linked a Finnish nuclear-import law to potential targeting of Russian nuclear assets.

He added that any escalation would see drone facilities become the first strike targets. Russian officials, including spokesperson Marija Zaharova and Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov, have also voiced strong disapproval of Finland's recent defense decisions. The controversy follows earlier Finnish-Ukrainian agreements on drone production, notably a memorandum between defence firm Patria and Ukrainian General Cherry.