Estonia accuses Russian border guards of hybrid attack using migrants
Photo: Minister of Internal Affairs of Estonia, Lauri Laanemets (Getty Images)
Russia is involved in a hybrid operation attacking Estonia by using migrants, whom they are bringing to the border crossing near Narva, stated Estonian Minister of Internal Affairs Lauri Laanemets.
Approximately 30 migrants, mainly from Somalia and Syria, have been attempting to enter Estonia from Russia through the Narva border crossing since last Thursday. It is noted that none of them sought asylum, and all were turned back.
The minister mentioned that Estonia is prepared to close border crossings if migration pressure from Russia increases and is also ready to take measures against migrants if they attempt to cross the border outside official checkpoints.
"Unfortunately, there are many signs that Russian border officials and possibly other agencies are involved," said the minister.
He also added that the ongoing migration pressure on the eastern border of Europe represents a hybrid operation by the Russian Federation.
Background
Recently, Finland started blocking entry from Russian territory due to an influx of illegal migrants. The Finnish Border Guard banned entry for individuals cycling through border checkpoints from Russia.
Finnish border guards had to use tear gas as migrants attempted to illegally enter camps from Russia.
From November 18, four border crossing points between Finland and Russia were closed, and on November 22, the Finnish government decided to close almost all border crossings. Currently, only one checkpoint in Lapland is operational.
The Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, also stated that Norway might follow Finland's example and close the single border crossing point with Russia.
