Estonia has accused Russian border guards of illegally entering its territory near the Narva River, close to the northeastern village of Vasknarva.
The Estonian Foreign Ministry said three Russian officers crossed the border on Wednesday after arriving in the area by hovercraft. According to the ministry, the officers walked across the control line on a breakwater before returning to their vehicle and travelling back to the Russian side. Estonian authorities released surveillance footage of the incident.
Interior Minister Igor Taro said the reasons for the border crossing remain unclear, adding that it is not known what the officers intended to do or why they crossed the control line. He stressed that the incident posed no immediate security threat.
Nevertheless, Estonia has increased police and border guard patrols in the area.
In response to the incident, Tallinn announced diplomatic steps, including summoning the Russian embassy’s chargé d’affaires and requesting an official explanation from Moscow. Talks between Estonian and Russian border authorities are also planned.
