Estonia plans to close border crossings with Russia from December 1: what the Foreign Ministry has announced
Estonia is preparing to close road border crossing points on the border with Russia from December 1. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the government's plans on November 15 after an attempted arson at the defense company Threod Systems near Tallinn.
According to the ministry's statement, the closure of crossings is intended to limit Russia's ability to conduct hostile operations against Estonia and strengthen the fight against sanctions evasion. Tsahkna has already discussed this step with counterparts from Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland, and informed partners in the European Union.
For passengers on international buses, motorists, and carriers, this means the need to reconsider trips and shipments across the Russian-Estonian border in December. The detailed closure procedure has yet to be specified: the Foreign Ministry's announcement does not reveal the duration of restrictions, possible exemptions, or the pedestrian crossing regime.
Prime Minister Kristen Michal has instructed the Ministry of the Interior and the government office to prepare the necessary measures. Current border crossing conditions will be published by the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board and other responsible agencies. Information about specific bus routes should be confirmed with carriers.
The reason for the closure was an attempted sabotage against the drone systems manufacturer Threod Systems. According to the Estonian government, on the night of November 14, attackers attempted to cause an explosion and set fire to the company's building in Viimsi, near Tallinn.
Intervention by the company's security service thwarted the attack. No one was injured, and the company's production and deliveries continue.
Law enforcement detained eight suspects — residents of Latvia. The prosecutor's office has requested pretrial detention for five of them. The investigation is being conducted jointly with Latvian special services and the prosecutor's office.
According to the Estonian Security Police, the attack attempt was organized on behalf of Russian military intelligence, the GRU. Authorities view it as part of the threat of sabotage against defense companies and organizations supporting Ukraine.
Tsahkna intends to discuss further measures of pressure on Russia at the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels on November 16. Among the directions he named are strengthening sanctions and tightening visa policy.
Based on materials from: the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Estonian government.
