Following an illegal border crossing by Russian border guards, Estonia is considering a full closure of its eastern border as a potential response, though no immediate security threat necessitates such action. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that while a border closure remains an option for applying pressure, the government is still deliberating on specific countermeasures. Estonia has already filed a formal protest and increased surveillance in response to the incident, which Russia denies. Additionally, Estonia has tightened border rules for Russian diplomats and their families, aligning with EU sanctions.
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Estonia’s Foreign Minister is advocating for an EU-wide entry ban on former Russian soldiers who fought in Ukraine, citing security concerns and the potential for increased criminality. Estonia already implemented a ban on 261 Russian fighters and now seeks a coordinated approach across the bloc due to the potential influx of nearly one million combatants. The current methods for identifying and banning individuals are deemed too slow and reliant on individual countries. While Estonia’s proposal faces challenges, particularly in listing individual fighters and providing evidence, it is driven by reports of increased crime linked to returning soldiers from the war.
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Estonia’s recent decision to ban 261 Russians who fought in Ukraine from entering the country, as reported by Euronews, seems like a strong move, and one that’s likely to be followed by other countries. It’s a definite statement, declaring that participation in the conflict carries consequences, at least in terms of freedom of movement. The interior ministry’s assertion that this is “just the start” hints at a potential expansion of these restrictions, and that’s something to keep an eye on.
This move immediately brings to mind questions of enforcement. How exactly does a country determine who has fought in Ukraine? The article suggests, quite reasonably, that information sharing from Ukrainian intelligence could be a key source.… Continue reading
Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna, urges India to leverage its historical relationship with Russia to pressure the country into ending the war in Ukraine and securing a lasting peace, highlighting Russia’s actions as an existential threat to the European Union. He emphasized India’s global responsibility and its capacity to mediate a resolution through dialogue, given its existing ties with Moscow. While acknowledging India’s support for peace talks, Tsahkna raises concerns regarding India’s political and economic relations with Russia, particularly in defense industry cooperation. Estonia believes India’s democratic values and understanding of the UN Charter can greatly contribute to a peaceful resolution.
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Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated in an interview that any “little green men” attempting to cross the Estonian border would be met with deadly force. This follows recent border incidents involving unmarked individuals, similar to those seen during Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Tsahkna cited reports of such incidents near Narva, a border town, and emphasized that Estonia is closely monitoring the situation. Estonia’s stance comes as a response to multiple violations, including brief incursions by Russian border guards and the presence of a Wagner-affiliated vessel, particularly along the Narva River which forms the border.
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“These crimes will not go unanswered”: Estonian FM condemns Christmas-period attack on Ukraine, a sentiment that resonates powerfully, particularly in the context of ongoing conflict. When any nation suffers aggression, the immediate reaction is often one of outrage and a commitment to justice. This statement, though a standard condemnation, carries extra weight when coming from Estonia, a country that understands the threat of Russian aggression perhaps more acutely than many. The specific timing of the attack, coinciding with the Christmas period, adds another layer of gravity, exploiting the solemnity of the season for strategic advantage, which further highlights the callousness of the aggressor.… Continue reading
On Wednesday morning, three Russian border guards illegally crossed into Estonia on the Narva River breakwater. The incident was captured on surveillance equipment and showed the guards briefly entering Estonian territory before returning to Russia. Estonian border patrol has increased presence and patrols in response. A meeting with Russian border representatives is scheduled, and the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will summon the Russian Embassy’s chargé d’affaires to seek explanation.
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Russia Faces Fast Growing South Korean K9 Artillery Arsenal on its NATO Borders as Estonia Receives New Shipment. The core idea here is that South Korean K9 artillery systems are rapidly deploying near Russia’s borders, particularly within NATO countries. Estonia, in this context, stands out as a key recipient of these advanced weapons, intensifying the military landscape in the region.
The K9 artillery system, often referred to with a touch of humor as “K9 Demon Hunters” here, is clearly a serious piece of equipment. We’re talking about a self-propelled howitzer, a mobile artillery platform. The fact that it’s being deployed near Russia’s borders, particularly in places like Estonia, Latvia (where the Canadian Bridge is stationed), and potentially other Baltic states, is a significant development, raising the stakes in the ongoing geopolitical tensions.… Continue reading
On October 17th, unidentified drones were detected near the Reedo military barracks in South Estonia. One of the drones was brought down by allied forces using an anti-drone rifle. The Defense Forces, in collaboration with the Police and Border Guard Board, searched for the downed drone but were unable to locate it. The Reedo Barracks is a base for the U.S. Army’s 5th Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment.
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Estonia’s State Prosecutor’s Office has adopted a novel approach to prosecuting those who financially support Russia’s military, opting for contributions to Ukrainian causes instead of traditional prosecution. This new policy was demonstrated in the case of a cryptocurrency investor who donated a total of $59.50 to a Russian organization. Instead of facing trial, the investor agreed to donate $1,785 to the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tallinn, selected by the prosecutor’s office, and to complete 75 hours of community service. This alternative measure is in line with Estonia’s efforts to combat financial support for Russia’s aggression, especially given previous use of cryptocurrency to obscure financial traces for hybrid operations within the EU.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood