Estonia Shuts Night Border Crossings Amid Russian Tensions
In light of ongoing tensions with Russia, Estonia has announced the temporary closure of two border crossing points. Prime Minister Kristen Michal confirmed that the Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossings will cease nighttime operations starting February 24. The decision comes amid reports of erratic behavior from Russian border guards.
Details of Border Closure
The closures will affect all traffic during nighttime hours, while daytime operations will continue for 12 hours each day. Michal stated that this measure aims to allocate resources effectively for border surveillance. “As Russia’s behavior at the border is sometimes unpredictable, it is essential to focus on ensuring security,” he explained.
Border Guard Resource Management
According to Minister of the Interior Igor Taro, the actions of Russian border guards put a strain on Estonian law enforcement. “This adjustment allows us to better utilize our officers where their presence is crucial,” Taro remarked. The closures will remain in effect for three months, after which the situation will be evaluated.
Statistics on Border Crossings
In recent years, there has been a significant decline in the number of border crossings between Estonia and Russia. Taro noted that the traffic has decreased approximately fivefold since 2018. The numbers reflect this trend:
- 2018: 5.3 million crossings
- 2025: 1,084,320 crossings
The Narva border crossing emerged as the busiest point in 2025, with 626,470 crossings. This was followed by Luhamaa and Koidula, with 239,542 and 213,910 crossings, respectively.
Demographics of Crossers
At the Luhamaa crossing, 41% of travelers were EU citizens, including 9% from Estonia and 18.5% from Latvia. Meanwhile, Koidula saw 59% of its crossings made by EU citizens, with 46% being Estonians.
Concerns Over Russian Behavior
Recent incidents have heightened Estonia’s apprehensions regarding its border with Russia. In May 2024, Russian border guards removed demarcation buoys from the Narva River, and in September 2025, three Russian fighter jets violated Estonian airspace. These actions have been met with denial from Moscow.
Furthermore, Minister Taro highlighted the challenging behavior of inexperienced Russian border personnel. Estonia has expressed its intent to respond to these incidents, with Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna indicating a potential closure of the border.
As the situation develops, Estonia remains vigilant, closely monitoring activities at its borders to ensure national security amidst rising tensions with Russia.
