Russia introduced a curfew regime in the border area with Estonia

Russia has introduced a ten-day curfew regime in the Kingiseppsky and Slantsevsky districts of the Leningrad region near the border with Estonia in the Narva area. Additional restrictions are in effect from September 16 to 26.

This was reported by the Estonian public broadcaster ERR. The publication calls the restrictions imposed by Russia unprecedented.

In the five-kilometer border zone during night hours, the stay and movement of people and vehicles outside populated areas is prohibited. Hunting and movement with weapons are also prohibited.

Separate restrictions apply to the Narva River. South of the Narva Reservoir, movement by watercraft on the river is prohibited, and in a designated area, staying on the shore is prohibited. The Russian FSB explains the measures as necessary to strengthen state border protection, as well as to prevent violations in border and migration spheres.

Representative of the Estonian Border Guard Service, Andris Viltsin, noted that such measures are not common practice, although they cannot be considered absolutely exceptional.

"I think the Russian side is certainly concerned about the security of its border. Perhaps to some extent it also speaks of some uncertainty from that side"

Estonian law enforcement and border guards are monitoring the situation, but currently do not see a direct threat to the country. Estonian Minister of the Interior Igor Taro stated that the threat assessment has not changed and additional measures from the Estonian side are not planned for now.

At the same time, Taro mentioned existing assumptions about possible general mobilization in Russia, but did not directly link the imposed restrictions with it. According to him, this remains just one of the versions.

Against the background of tightening the regime on the eve, one person illegally crossed the border from Russia to Estonia and was detained. Estonian border guards note that fully closing the lengthy border and excluding all illegal crossings is practically impossible.

Based on materials: ERR, administration of Kingiseppsky district