Estonian Police Unit Deployed to Latvia-Belarus Border to Assist with Migratory Pressure

Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) deployed a 12-member unit, ESTPOL-11, to Latvia earlier this week to assist Latvian authorities in preventing illegal border crossings along the Latvia-Belarus border.

Veiko Kommusaar, Head of the PPA Border Guard, stated that migratory pressure on Latvia’s border remains high, with approximately 50 illegal border crossers detected each day. He explained that the Latvian Border Guard requested assistance, and Estonia decided to support its southern neighbor.

“The situation at the Latvia–Belarus border is a deliberate operation backed by Belarus, aimed at undermining border security and the general sense of safety. Ordinary people are being used as a tool of pressure. The Latvia–Belarus border is a NATO and EU external border, and therefore also our border. By helping Latvia, we help keep the EU’s external border free from illegal activity,” Kommusaar said.

The unit consists of officers from all Estonian police prefectures, including document experts, drone pilots, police officers with medical training, and two service dogs. ESTPOL-11 will be deployed to areas experiencing the highest migratory pressure.

Commander Eduard Sarap emphasized that supporting Latvia is both a practical assistance mission and a learning opportunity. While there are currently no signs that the situation could spread to Estonia’s eastern border, conditions can change quickly. “The practical cooperation with our Latvian colleagues provides an excellent chance to learn how to respond to a potential migration attack while offering real support,” Sarap noted.

ESTPOL-11 departed for Latvia on Monday and will remain until the end of June. After this rotation, the PPA will assess the situation with Latvian authorities to decide whether to extend Estonia’s contribution.