Russia introduces movement restrictions near Estonia's border around Narva

Russia has introduced a curfew-style regime with a range of movement restrictions in the Kingisepp and Slantsy districts, located near the Estonian border in the area around Narva. Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) states the measures aim to prevent border violations and illegal migration, as well as to protect the "aquatic biological resources" of Lake Peipus. The restrictions remain in force until September 26.

Andris Viltsins, a representative of Estonia's border authority, said Estonian officials had known in advance that Russia planned to introduce temporary movement restrictions in several districts near the Estonian border, but Russia has not provided any official notification of the measures. According to Viltsins, the new rules affect residents' daily activities in several border districts — hunting and carrying firearms are temporarily banned without special permission, and movement along the Narva River has also been restricted.

Incident at the border

Viltsins confirmed that Estonia's Police and Border Guard Board (PPA), working with other security agencies, continuously monitors the situation on the eastern border and responds promptly to any incidents that could affect Estonian territory. As an example, he cited an overnight incident in Narva in which a man from the Russian side illegally crossed the temporary control line on the Narva River and entered Estonia. A surveillance officer spotted him, and border guards together with police later detained the man, who turned out to be a Jordanian citizen. He was taken to a detention facility in Narva for further procedural steps.

Viltsins stressed that Estonia's eastern border is an external border of both the European Union and NATO, making its security important not only for Estonia but also for its allies. He said the PPA continues to closely assess how events might unfold and what impact they could have on border and internal security.