“Should We Send Them a Map?”: Estonia Threatens to Close Border With Russia After Russian Guards Cross Line

The Estonian government is considering the closure of its border with Russia after an incident where three Russian border guards crossed into Estonia.

According to ERR on December 19, the government is planning to discuss its options moving forward. Estonian Minister of the Interior, Igor Taro, explained that there are multiple ways to close the border, including local, overall, temporary, long-term, or even permanent measures.

“Essentially, they no longer understand where the control line between Estonia and Russia lies, which is absolutely absurd, as this control line has existed for over 30 years. If they cannot read a map, if there's topographical incompetence, how are we supposed to help? Should we send them a map and teach them how to read it? This remains a challenge for us,” Taro stated.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna mentioned that Russia is continually attempting to shift the border, especially in difficult geographic regions. He pointed to incidents, such as in Saatsa Bay in October, where armed Russian personnel were seen, and the theft of border buoys from the Narva River in May 2024.

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While there is an unratified border agreement between the two nations, Russia has refused to sign it, but Tsahkna believes this may not offer much hope.

“I don't see any real prospect today for signing and ratifying a border treaty between Estonia and Russia, and these risks will persist. Russia will undoubtedly take advantage of such opportunities. Our task is to clearly understand what is our territory and what is Russian, keep the situation under control, and not succumb to provocations,” he said.

Previously, on December 18, three Russian border guards in uniform appeared at the Vasknarva pier on the Narva River. They left before Estonian officials had the chance to question them.

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