Estonia did not dare to close the border with Russia: No need

Estonia does not see the need to close the border with Russia, since the current situation does not create sufficient grounds for such a step. This was stated by the Minister of Internal Affairs of the country Igor Taro.

According to him, the operation of checkpoints depends on the assessment of risks to national security. The Minister believes that at present there are no grounds for restricting traffic.

"If there is an immediate threat to Estonia, the border will be closed immediately," he stressed.

At the same time, Taro said that border guards continue to record attempts to transport from Russia of goods prohibited by sanctions.

Recall that the issue of possible closure of the border is regularly discussed after Finland completely restricted communication with the Russian Federation at the end of 2023. Ordinary Russian tourists have not been allowed into the country for a long time. Now the border is mostly crossed by people with residence permits in countries EU or with dual citizenship. On May 15, the Estonian government extended the temporary special procedure for the operation of ground checkpoints on the southeastern border with Russia and reduced the opening hours of the Narva-1 checkpoint from 7:00 to 19:00 local time. Restrictions affect, first of all, residents of Estonian border settlements who often visit the Russian Federation, including for the sake of profitable purchase of cheaper goods.