Estonia Sends Additional Forces to Latvia Amid Migration Pressure

Estonia will send additional police officers and border guards to Latvia to strengthen the European Union's external border security, announced Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro. The decision follows the recent detention of several dozen illegal migrants in Estonia who had initially crossed the Latvia-Belarus border.

Taro, who visited the Latvia-Belarus border last week, described the situation as very serious. He stated that the Belarusian regime deliberately directs migrants into the forest, gathers them in camps, and provides tools to overcome obstacles. The minister linked this to Russia's aggression tactics, where Belarus supports logistics, including helping to move drones towards Ukraine. Illegal migration is part of this strategy to create problems for European countries.

He also emphasized that migrants burden society – overcrowded centers require interpreters and resources. While Latvia currently bears the brunt, over 30 migrants were recently detained in Tallinn, intending to proceed to Finland. Taro noted that Estonia is better prepared than years ago: a border fence has been built, and surveillance systems are being installed. The fence, he said, gives border guards time to react.