Russia imposes border restrictions near Estonia

Russia has implemented nighttime restrictions and security measures in two districts of the Leningrad Oblast near the Estonian border. Announced by the Federal Security Service (FSB), the measures affect the Slantsy and Kingissepp sectors, located approximately 100 kilometers southwest of Saint Petersburg.

The restrictions, which include a curfew and are scheduled to remain in effect until September 26, limit nighttime movement within a 5-kilometer strip along the border. Additionally, authorities have prohibited presence in certain coastal areas, navigation on specific sections of border waterways, and hunting or movement with weapons in several frontier sectors.

Moscow stated these measures are preventive, aimed at preventing border violations, managing migration rules, and protecting aquatic biological resources. However, the move has raised concerns in Estonia. Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro noted that the timing of these restrictions is notable, coinciding with Russian legislative elections and heightened international discourse regarding the war in Ukraine.