Estonia ready to close border immediately if Russia announces mobilisation

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal has said the authorities are ready to close the border immediately if the threat assessment changes, including if Russia announces mobilisation.

Source: ERR, an Estonian public broadcasting network, citing Michal at a government press conference with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Michal said Estonia is constantly monitoring developments in Russia.

Details: Tsahkna also commented on a file titled Kabineti memo: Vene föderatsiooni mobilisatsioon (Cabinet memo: Mobilisation in the Russian Federation) that appeared in the government document register.

Quote from Tsahkna: "In the security cabinet, we discussed issues related to Estonia's security. Of course, Estonia is looking ahead so that we are ready to take action if Russia – our main, or even our only real source of security threat – takes certain steps. If Russia announces general mobilisation, that would certainly be a significant move that would increase internal tensions in the Russian Federation. In the security cabinet, we always discuss different scenarios."

More details: Michal said at the press conference that regular analysis of security developments is essential.

Quote from Michal: "There is nothing mysterious or extraordinary about this. It is no news to anyone that things are going very badly in Russia. There isn't a single healthy part of their economy and 30,000 to 40,000 men are killed or wounded every month. At some point, they will have to take steps to keep the war going and NATO and European Union countries need to be prepared for those steps and communicate accordingly."

More details: Michal confirmed that the border could be closed immediately if Russia announced general mobilisation.

Quote from Michal: "Different steps will be taken depending on the threat assessment. The border can also be closed immediately, as we have done on occasion when there have been troublemakers at border crossing points. The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) and the interior minister are aware of this and we have the capability to close border crossing points very quickly.

Since mobilisation could change the threat assessment, we will take appropriate steps depending on whether it happens and what form it takes. When it comes to measures concerning the border, the principle of reciprocity always applies."

More details: Michal added that opening hours at border crossing points have already been reduced and full customs checks introduced.

Initiatives to close Estonia's border with Russia have so far failed to secure sufficient support.

Finland, however, closed its land border crossings with Russia at the end of 2023 indefinitely, citing migration pressure instigated by the Russian side.

Background: On 13 August, the Estonian government approved a proposal by the Ministry of the Interior to extend indefinitely the 12-hour operating schedule at road border crossings with Russia.

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