Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said on Thursday, the 16th of November, that Russia has extended its initial provocative measure against Finland to Estonia by “deliberately” allowing asylum seekers to reach Estonian border crossings without visas or residence permits, according to Estonian news sources, reports Politico.
Läänemets claimed that Russia is allowing asylum seekers to freely reach the Estonian border, thus burdening border work, adding that this is
clearly an “organised and deliberate action”
because “they have no reason to enter the European Union”.
The Interior Minister stated that Estonia, in cooperation with Finland and neighbouring countries, is returning persons who attempt to cross the border without proper documentation or authorisation, while reinforcing its readiness to close the borders.
BNN already reported that on Thursday until February 2024 Finland completely closed four border crossings with Russia, accusing Russia of sending undocumented asylum seekers to the border.
Relations between Russia and Estonia deteriorated after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with Estonia expelling 21 Russian embassy staff in 2023. In response, Moscow expelled Estonian Ambassador Margus Laidre from Russia.
Read also: Finland to shut down half of border crossing points with Russia due to illegal migration pressure
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