Yesterday on 1 August, the Finnish minelayer Hämeenmaa, while performing its duties of monitoring territorial integrity, entered the territorial sea of Russia for a short distance of no more than approximately 600 metres.
On noticing the error, the minelayer immediately returned to the international waters and reported the matter in accordance with the operational chain of command. The Finnish Navy is investigating the event and has started an enquiry into the matter.
The Finnish authorities have contacted Russia and regretted the error.
