Three Russian FSB border guards reportedly crossed into Estonian territory for about 20 minutes this week, sparking concerns over possible provocations just weeks after Russian warplanes violated Estonian airspace.
The incident took place on a breakwater along the Narva River, a key area along the Russian-Estonian border.
How the Incursion Unfolded
According to Estonian authorities, the trio arrived via a security service hovercraft and walked along the river barrier before returning to Russian territory.
Grainy surveillance footage captured their presence near the village of Vasknarva.
“The illegal border crossing has been documented, and we have it on video from the surveillance camera that detected the crossing,” said Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro.
Immediate Response
Authorities conducted thorough checks to ensure nothing suspicious had been left behind.
Taro added: “Naturally, our units went to investigate, but the illegal border crossers were no longer there.
Traces were found, and the area was checked to ensure nothing was left behind.”
While the motives of the Russian guards remain unclear, Estonia has increased patrols and security presence in the area.
Diplomatic Measures
Estonia is set to summon the Russian chargé d’affaires in Tallinn, and a meeting between the border guard authorities of both countries has been scheduled.
Surveillance footage and preliminary inspections on the pier were carried out, and official contact with Russian border authorities has been established to seek explanations.
Speculation About Russian Forces
Minister Taro suggested the guards involved may have been low-grade personnel.
“The quality of border guard personnel on the Russian side varies greatly,” he explained.
“The aggression against Ukraine affects their structures, as they have likely redirected a number of more competent people elsewhere, probably to the front lines.
It may be that the guards drafted in have no understanding of where they are, what they are doing here, or the nuances of the terrain.”
Strategic Context
This latest incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region.
In September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland for about 12 minutes.
Estonia condemned the flights as a “brazen” violation, launched a diplomatic protest, and invoked NATO consultations under Article 4 of the alliance treaty.
Moscow denied any wrongdoing, claiming its jets stayed in international airspace.
Rising Concerns in NATO
The Russian incursion echoes other regional concerns.
That same month, Russian drones briefly breached Polish airspace, prompting NATO fighters to scramble and raising alarms about potential aerial incursions in the Baltic and surrounding regions.
Analysts view these actions as part of a broader pattern of Russian probing of NATO defenses.
Border Agreements and Violations
The Narva River area is governed by a long-standing agreement allowing Russian vessels to pass through Estonian territory to access Lake Peipus.
Taro emphasized that this time, the proper notification was not provided.
“They have always notified us of this… This time they did not notify us, and such an incident occurred,” he said.
Surveillance and Investigations Continue
Estonian border authorities continue to analyze footage and inspect the area to ensure security.
While no immediate threat was posed during the 20-minute crossing, the event underscores the fragile stability along the Russian-Estonian border and highlights ongoing vigilance required by NATO members in the region.
What Comes Next
Estonia’s government is expected to maintain a strong presence along the border and press for clarification from Russia, while NATO keeps a close watch on further incidents.
Analysts predict that similar minor incursions may continue as part of Russia’s ongoing testing of Western response protocols.
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