Estonia to Close All Border Crossings With Russia From December 1

Estonia’s foreign minister, Margus Tsahkna, said Sunday that the crossings will be shut after what he called “clear evidence” that Russia’s military intelligence service, the GRU, ordered a sabotage attack on an Estonian defense company. Reuters also reported the announcement.

Officials Set a December Date

In a post on X, Tsahkna said Estonia “will close all Estonian-Russian border crossing points as of 1 December.” The Foreign Ministry issued a similar message, saying Russia’s attempts “to intimidate, destabilise, or undermine our security will come with a price.”

Estonia still has three road crossings with Russia, at Narva, Luhamaa and Koidula, which handle pedestrians and freight and operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., ERR reported.

Interior Minister Igor Taro said he would propose to the government that those road crossings be closed to both pedestrians and vehicles from the beginning of December. Officials will discuss in the coming days whether the step is temporary or indefinite, he said.

Estonian residents and truck drivers who have traveled to Russia will be able to return over the next two weeks, Taro added.

Attack Targeted a Drone Maker

The announcement followed a failed arson attempt at Threod Systems in Viimsi, north of Tallinn, in the early hours of Nov. 14. Estonia’s Internal Security Service, KAPO, said the attackers tried to cause an explosion and set the building on fire, but the company’s security staff stopped them.

Eight people living in Latvia were detained, Estonian authorities said, and criminal proceedings have been opened. Threod, which makes reconnaissance and attack drones, suffered no significant damage, and no one was injured.

KAPO said the operation was ordered by the GRU. The case is the second attempted arson against an Estonian defense firm since August, when Milrem Robotics in Tallinn was targeted.

Officials Cite Hybrid Pressure

Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he had asked Taro and the government office to “prepare the necessary steps.” He said Russian intelligence services “exploit border crossings to exert influence over people.”

Michal said closing the border would “reduce the threat to people in Estonia and send a clear message that attacks on Estonia’s defence industry and defense capabilities are unacceptable.”

Tsahkna said he would raise the issue with European colleagues at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday. The move follows earlier Baltic steps to harden frontiers with Russia, as officials also warn of sabotage and limited incursions rather than a conventional assault.

Estonian officials have previously said Moscow was not planning a Baltic attack, even as they prepare for hybrid pressure.