Estonia-Russia border sees reported unauthorized crossing
Photo: Estonian soldiers (Getty Images)
On the Estonian-Russian border along the Narva River, an incident involving Russian border guards was recorded, prompting increased patrolling and a diplomatic response from Tallinn, according to err.ee.
Estonian authorities reported a breach of the control line at the Vasknarva pier on the Narva River. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning and was captured by video surveillance operated by border guards of the Eastern Prefecture.
According to the Estonian side, a hovercraft carrying Russian border guards approached the pier, after which three uniformed men disembarked and walked along the pier.
What happened at the Vasknarva pier
While moving along the pier, the Russian border guards crossed the control line from Russian territory into Estonia and then returned.
They subsequently boarded their vessel again and returned to the Russian side. This occurred before Estonian authorities could question or detain them.
Response of the Estonian Border Guard
Several Estonian patrols responded to the incident promptly. According to Eerik Purgel, head of the Eastern Prefecture Border Guard Bureau, the border crossing was documented, an initial inspection was conducted on site, and official contact was established with the Russian Border Service to obtain explanations. It was also decided to increase the number of patrols in the area.
Authorities’ position and next steps
The Estonian Minister of the Interior stated on the program Aktuaalne kaamera that the motives behind the Russian border guards’ actions remain unclear.
He noted that the incident did not pose a direct security threat, but the presence of police and border guards has been significantly increased.
He also explained that part of the Vasknarva pier is located on Estonian territory, which is why the incident was classified as a crossing of the control line.
The Estonian side emphasized that no detentions occurred because the participants returned to Russian territory before authorities could intervene.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs plans to summon the chargé d’affaires of the Russian embassy.
Context of the border regime
The Vasknarva area is considered sensitive because Russian vessels traveling from the Narva River to Lake Peipus must pass through a section controlled by Estonia.
An agreed notification procedure is required for this passage, which, according to Estonian authorities, was not followed in this case.
The control line in this area has existed since the Soviet era and became the state border after Estonia restored its independence.
Estonia has begun constructing the first concrete defense structures as part of the Baltic Defense Line, implementing the initial stage of the project, which includes installing 28 bunkers, some of which have already been delivered and are being prepared for deployment in one of the border regions.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna noted that new sanctions are needed to stop Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine, as the continuation of attacks has been made possible by Moscow’s ability to fund its military economy through hydrocarbon export revenues and to purchase technology via third countries.
