1 of 2 | European High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell said Russia's decision to remove buoys marking its international border with Estonia was "unacceptable." File Photo by John Thys/EPA-EFE
May 24 (UPI) -- The European Union and NATO on Friday conemned Russia's removal of buoys along a waterway marking its international border with Estonia.
"Such actions are unacceptable. The European Union expects an explanation by Russia about the removal of the buoys, and their immediate return," the EU High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement, in response to Russia's operation along the Narva River.
Russian border guards on Thursday removed 24 of 50 buoys placed by Estonia on the 48-mile river, marking sailing routes on the international boundary with Russia.
Estonia is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said he spoke with Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas, saying the bloc stands "in solidarity" with the nation "against any threat" to its sovereignty.
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The Narva River flows north into the Baltic Sea and is the largest in Estonia in terms of discharge.
The current border was established in 1985.
Earlier in the week, Russia announced it was entertaining a unilateral redrawing of its border in the Baltic Sea. It later deleted the posting without further explanation.
"This border incident is part of a broader pattern of hybrid actions by Russia, including on its maritime and land borders in the Baltic Sea region," Borrell said.
Russia's proposal was based on the idea that the nautical charts used to establish the border are now out of use.
"Estonia's response remains calm and clear-eyed," the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement issued Thursday.
"We treat this as a provocative border incident. We will communicate with the Russian Federation through our border representatives and diplomatic channels that such actions are unacceptable, and demand an explanation about the removal of the buoys and their immediate return."
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FAQs
May 24 (UPI) -- The European Union and NATO on Friday conemned Russia's removal of buoys along a waterway marking its international border with Estonia. "Such actions are unacceptable.
Is the border between Estonia and Russia open? ›
According to Karis, one of the reasons why the border is still open is that people have relatives on the other side of the border. "We are ready to close the border very quickly if necessary," the Estonian president said. However, he noted that there is no real need for that at the moment.
What is the border treaty between Estonia and Russia? ›
After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Estonia had hoped for the return of more than 2,000 square kilometers (770 sq mi) of territory annexed by Russia after World War II in 1945. The annexed land with Russian majority had been within the borders Estonia and Russia agreed on in the 1920 Tartu Peace Treaty.
Can Estonians enter Russia? ›
It is recommended to completely avoid travelling from Estonia to Russia. The border crossing points may be closed on short notice due to possible security risks, and it may not be possible to return to Estonia through your usual border crossing point.
What countries have closed their borders to Russians? ›
In September 2022, the Baltic countries (Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania) closed their borders to most Russians in response to the Russia's invasion of Ukraine, launched in February 2022.
Why is Estonia in NATO? ›
Estonia has been a member of NATO since 29 March 2004. Active membership in NATO is a long-term strategic priority of the Estonian security and defence policy, enabling effective participation in international security cooperation and ensuring the defence of the Estonian state in the most expedient and efficient way.
Is Estonia dependent on Russia? ›
Estonia began moving away from Russian influence, rejecting Russia's economic model in favour of an open market and joining the European Union and NATO in 2004. Relations remained cold, deteriorating further following the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Why does Russia want the Baltic states? ›
Russia considers the independence of the Baltic states and their active role in NATO and the EU as threats to Russia's security, sovereignty, and autonomy. The Vladimir Putin regime's operational code inclines it to respond with multiple, varied, and often independent covert political means.
How far is Moscow from Estonia border? ›
Distance from Moscow to Estonia
The shortest distance (air line) between Moscow and Estonia is 486.45 mi (782.86 km). The shortest route between Moscow and Estonia is 608.34 mi (979.02 km) according to the route planner. The driving time is approx. 12h 9min.
Is there Border Control between Latvia and Estonia? ›
Nationals of all countries, who have entered legally in Schengen area, move freely across internal borders. People can cross the land border of the Republic of Latvia with the Republic of Estonia and the Republic of Lithuania in any location.
A monument to textile workers in Narva is inscribed with the years of a historic labor strike and its centennial, when Estonia was under Soviet control. The Narva River separates the two countries.
What countries have a border to Russia? ›
Along the 20,139-kilometre land frontier, Russia has boundaries with 14 countries: Poland and Lithuania (both via Kaliningrad Oblast), Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, China, Mongolia, and North Korea. Approximately two-thirds of the frontier is bounded by seawater.
