BRUSSELS — Estonia has not yet determined the identity or intentions of a group of armed Russian individuals recently observed near its border, according to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur in an interview with The Moscow Times.
At the NATO defense ministers’ meeting, Pevkur suggested that journalists should direct their inquiries to Russia regarding the masked figures clad in camouflage, while cautioning that a truthful response should not be anticipated.
“Ask the Russians,” he stated. “Engaging with Russia means you can never rely on them to speak honestly. They will communicate whatever they choose to.”
He also referenced previous encounters, noting, “They claimed their MiGs were not violating their airspace,” in relation to two Russian jets that entered Estonian airspace without authorization in September.
The armed group was seen in the Saatse Boot, a small section of Russian land that is nearly encircled by Estonia, last Friday.
The Saatse Boot, a remnant of the Soviet occupation of Estonia during World War II, is home to Estonia’s Road 178, which connects the Estonian villages of Lutepaa and Sesniki. Travelers can drive along this road without obtaining a Russian entry visa, provided they do not make any stops.
A treaty established in 2005 aimed to mitigate issues by exchanging the Boot for two small areas of Estonian territory, but Russia has not ratified the agreement, despite signing it, and Tallinn has since rejected any territorial negotiations with Moscow.
Following the sighting of the armed men, Estonia temporarily closed the section of Road 178 that runs through the Saatse Boot. However, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that the threat level remains unchanged.
“To clarify: there is nothing urgent happening at the border. The Russians are displaying a somewhat bolder and more visible presence than before, but the situation is still under control,” Tsahkna communicated via X on Sunday.
Pevkur informed reporters in Brussels that Russia is utilizing its activities within its own borders, including the Saatse Boot, to provoke Estonia and other NATO allies.
“We must be pragmatic, but it is also vital to emphasize that we will not permit any breaches of our territory,” he remarked.
Estonia’s interior minister is advocating for the construction of a new road to circumvent the Saatse Boot. The country’s environment minister indicated that the government will consider expediting the project’s development by eliminating the need for an environmental assessment.
As a member of NATO and the EU, Estonia has shown unwavering support for Ukraine, contributing nearly 500 million euros in military aid to Kyiv, which exceeds 1.4% of its GDP, since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
