Estonia bans entry to 261 people over involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine
Photo: Estonia has banned 261 people from entering the country for participating in the war against Ukraine on the Russian side (facebook com politseij)
Estonian authorities have banned entry to 261 individuals who took part in the war against Ukraine on the side of Russian forces, according to Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
The head of Estonia’s Foreign Ministry stressed that the "fighters from the aggressor state" have no place in either Estonia or the Schengen Area.
"Hundreds of thousands of fighters from the aggressor state have been involved in this brutal war, committing atrocities and spreading violence. They have no place in Estonia and in the Schengen area," he said.
According to the diplomat, the decision is only the beginning.
He pledged that Estonian authorities would continue working to ensure that "the door stays closed to Russian ex-combatants."
The minister also urged other countries to join in imposing similar restrictions.
Estonia tightens border with Russia
On December 18, it became known that three Russian border guards entered Estonian territory. They remained on EU territory for about 20 minutes.
At the time, the foreign minister said that if so-called little green men crossed the country’s border, Estonian troops would open fire.
It was also reported that Estonia plans to build a defensive line along its border with Russia, including the construction of 600 bunkers in border areas with Russia.
In addition, a nearly 40-kilometer anti-tank trench is to be built along Estonia’s southeastern border over the next two years. Meanwhile, an opposition party in Estonia has initiated a bill proposing the closure of the border with Russia.
