Russian border guards enter Estonia: Tallinn demands explanation

WISE NEWS PRESS / TALLINN, ESTONIA — DECEMBER 18, 2025

The Estonian government has formally requested a diplomatic explanation from Moscow after three uniformed Russian border guards breached the national border using an air cushion boat.

The incident occurred on December 17, 2025, at the Vasknarva pier in eastern Estonia, according to the national broadcaster ERR. Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that although the violation was captured on security cameras, the guards returned to Russian territory before they could be intercepted for questioning. Consequently, Tallinn summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires to the Foreign Ministry for an official protest.

Border measures and official communication

Eerik Purgel, Head of the East Region Border Guard Bureau, confirmed that initial site inspections were completed and official contact was established with the border representation of the Russian Federation. Purgel noted that patrol frequencies in the region have been increased as a precautionary measure against further incursions.

Rising tensions on the eastern frontier

This latest breach follows a similar incident on November 2, where a patrol boat carrying a Wagner PMC flag was sighted on the Narva River. Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna interpreted these occurrences as a sign of cracking in Russia’s internal security structures under the pressure of the Ukraine war and Western sanctions. A meeting between Estonian and Russian border services is scheduled for Thursday to discuss the official explanation for the pier incursion.

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