Russia’s border provocations signal to Estonia that it may be next – The Telegraph

For example, a blimp was recently spotted on the Russian-Estonian border, which was initially ignored by Estonia. However, the next day, Russia escalated and painted the letter Z on the blimp, associated with Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

According to the director-general of the Estonian police Egert Belitšev, Russians organize provocations of this kind almost every week.

"It was intentionally made visible to everyone, to say: We are watching you," Belitšev said.

According to Estonian border guards, tensions on the border with Russia have increased dramatically in recent months. Russia has intensified actions such as protests against the West, attempts to smuggle weapons parts, and jamming GPS signals. Russia has been sending waves of migrants from Asia across the border and ominous pranks with aerial devices like the one mentioned above.

"Two years ago we had 18 border incidents and this year we had 96," Belitšev said.

Diplomatic relations of Estonia and Russia

Relations between Estonia and Russia have deteriorated amid the war in Ukraine. Estonia actively supports Ukraine, providing aid and calling for tougher sanctions against Russia. Tallinn has also increased defense spending due to threats to the Baltic region.

Russia responded with anti-Estonian rhetoric, expulsion of diplomats, and suspension of transit and economic cooperation agreements. Tensions have escalated over border demarcation, the dismantling of Soviet monuments, and Estonia's support for Ukraine's accession to NATO.

On August 8, Estonia introduced enhanced customs control at all border crossings with Russia - Narva, Luhamaa, and Koidula. The innovations are aimed at preventing sanctioned goods from entering Russia.