Estonia ready to close border with Russia immediately if mobilisation is declared

Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told a government press conference that if the threat assessment changes — particularly if Russia declares mobilisation — the country is ready to close its border immediately. He spoke alongside Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

Michal emphasized that Estonia continuously monitors the situation in Russia. Tsahkna commented on a document titled about Russian Federation mobilisation that appeared in the government's document registry, noting that the security cabinet regularly discusses various scenarios related to possible Russian actions. He said a general mobilisation announcement would mark a significant step that would increase internal tension inside Russia.

Russia's economic situation

Michal noted that there is no healthy sector left in Russia's economy, while 30,000 to 40,000 men are killed or wounded there every month. He said Russia would eventually have to take further measures to continue the war, and that NATO and EU countries must be prepared for such steps.

How border closure would work

The prime minister explained that the border can be closed immediately, as has already happened in cases of unrest at border checkpoints. The Police and Border Guard Board and the interior minister are aware of this, and the state can close crossing points very quickly. Decisions regarding the border are always made based on the principle of reciprocity.

Border crossing hours have already been shortened, and full customs control has been introduced. On 13 August, Estonia's government approved the Interior Ministry's proposal to extend indefinitely the 12-hour operating regime for vehicle checkpoints on the border with Russia. So far, the initiative to fully close the border has not found sufficient support in Estonia. Finland closed its land borders with Russia indefinitely at the end of 2023, citing Russian-instigated migration pressure.