Russia Accused of Violating Estonias Borders, Again

Estonia’s Foreign Ministry has formally summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires in Tallinn after accusing a Russian vessel of breaching its territorial waters.

The diplomatic move underscores Tallinn’s growing alarm over what it calls an unacceptable violation of its sovereignty.

Official Protest Delivered in Tallinn

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced on X (formerly Twitter) that Estonia had issued an official note of protest. He described the incident as a “serious and unacceptable” breach of the country’s maritime border, signalling that such actions would not be tolerated.

The Border Incident at Sea

According to Estonia’s military, an unauthorized Russian border police vessel crossed into its territorial waters on Saturday. The ship advanced roughly 500 meters before leaving, marking the first such maritime breach by Russia this year.

Clear Rules Ignored by Moscow

Estonian law allows foreign warships to enter its waters only for peaceful purposes and only with 48 hours’ prior notice to the Foreign Ministry.

Military officials say the Russian vessel failed to comply with either requirement.

A Pattern of Border Violations

This is not an isolated case. In May, Estonia accused a Russian fighter jet of violating its airspace. Both incidents point to an increasingly tense border environment between the Baltic nation and its eastern neighbor.

Tensions Rooted in Ukraine War

Relations between Tallinn and Moscow have sharply deteriorated since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Estonia, a NATO and EU member, has been among Kyiv’s staunchest supporters, providing aid, weapons, and political backing.

Diplomatic Links Already Severed

Russia has not had an ambassador in Tallinn since February 2023, when Estonia expelled him in response to Moscow downgrading its diplomatic presence. The latest incident is likely to deepen the rift between the two nations even further.