Estonia shuts russian transit corridor to avoid provocations

Officials ask for patience as safer detours replace risky shortcut

Estonia to permanently close Saatse Boot transit road

According to Postimees, the Estonian government has decided to permanently close the Saatse Boot transit route — a small section of Russian territory that cuts through southeastern Estonia.

The decision follows recent events in the area and aims to ensure public safety amid rising tensions.

Interior minister says closure protects people and borders

“The government’s decision is based on the security situation around us,” said Interior Minister Igor Taro.

“We are ensuring the safety of our people, and we are protecting our border line so that it has no interruptions, as is currently the case at both ends of the Saatse Boot,” he told Postimees.

Border chief cites unusual Russian activity as trigger

PPA border guard chief Veiko Kommusaar told Postimees that the agency proposed closing the route after Estonian patrols observed an unusually large Russian presence near the border.

“We closed the transit route to prevent potential incidents and provocations,” he explained.

Estonian citizens at legal risk on Russian-controlled roads

Kommusaar warned that both the “big boot” and “small boot” sections pass through Russian territory, where Estonian authorities have no jurisdiction.

“If the Russian side were to detain someone there, the Estonian state cannot go in to help our people,” he said, justifying the decision.

Temporary barriers to be installed before full border upgrade

According to Postimees, temporary concrete blocks and fencing will soon be placed at both ends of the transit roads. Kommusaar added that permanent border infrastructure will follow.

“It will no longer be possible to pass through these road sections,” he said.

Safety outweighs travel inconvenience, officials say

Kommusaar acknowledged the disruption for locals and visitors to Setomaa.

“Understandably, the detours will take more time than usual… but they will also be that much safer,” he told Postimees, asking for public understanding.

‘Big boot’ already closed, detour now active

Postimees reports that the “big boot” transit route has already been shut down. An alternative route is now in place via Värska, Treski, Matsuri, and Sesniki.

The “small boot” is expected to close in the coming days once detour preparations are complete.

New road project to bypass Russian territory entirely

According to Postimees, the Transport Administration plans to begin construction on a new road that avoids Russian territory altogether.

The new road will replace the “big boot” section and is being launched on an expedited basis.

This article is made and published by auk1, which may have used AI in the preparation