Estonia could immediately close its border with Russia if the security threat assessment changes, particularly following any announcement of general mobilization in Russia. This was stated by Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal during a government press conference, as reported by European Pravda citing ERR.
The head of government emphasized that Estonia is constantly monitoring the situation in Russia. According to him, various measures could be applied depending on the threat assessment, including the rapid closure of border crossings. Kristen Michal noted that this option has been used previously during border disturbances, and that the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board and the Minister of the Interior are aware of the relevant procedures.
Kristen Michal added that mobilization could alter the threat assessment, so decisions regarding the border would be made based on whether such an order is issued and in what form. He noted that the principle of reciprocity applies when making such decisions.
Assessing security risks
Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna commented on the document “Kabineti memo: Vene föderatsiooni mobilisatsioon”, which appeared in the government document registry. He noted that various scenarios are discussed during cabinet meetings on security issues.
According to Margus Tsahkna, Russia is the primary or even the only real source of security threats to Estonia. He noted that announcing a general mobilization would be a significant step that would increase internal tension within Russia.
Kristen Michal stated that the situation in the Russian economy remains very difficult, and, according to him, 30–40 thousand Russian men are killed or wounded every month. He noted that at some point, Russia will have to take new measures to continue the war, so NATO and European Union countries must be prepared for such steps.
Current border restrictions
Kristen Michal also reported that the operating hours of border crossings in Estonia have already been reduced, and customs controls are being carried out in full.
On August 13, the Estonian government approved a proposal from the Ministry of the Interior to extend the 12-hour operating regime for vehicle border crossings on the border with Russia indefinitely.
At the same time, the initiative to completely close the border with Russia has not yet received sufficient support in Estonia. Finland closed its land border crossings with Russia indefinitely at the end of 2023, citing migration pressure that Finnish authorities linked to the actions of the Russian side.
Source: Ukrainska Pravda
