Despite sanctions against the aggressor state and the difficulties associated with crossing the border, residents of Narva, located on Estonia’s eastern border, still continue to go shopping in Ivangorod on the Russian side, writes the Estonian media ERR News.
People stand in line, go through passport checks, cross the bridge and then go shopping. Narva residents buy basic products in the country where they are cheaper. Neither sanctions against Russia, nor the limited opening hours of border crossings can disrupt the usual rhythm. Some residents of the Estonian side still go to Ivangorod, and even film and post videos on social networks showing their shopping trips.
According to official statistics, 30-40% of all border crossings in Narva are carried out by Estonian citizens. People have always used the price difference to their advantage. Currently, the opportunity to buy cheaper products is being used even when the choice is limited.
Narva journalist Roman Vikulov said that there are not many product categories that can be brought across the border, and people mostly buy chocolate, sweets, pasta, cookies and similar products. He explained that, for example, the import of meat products from Russia is prohibited, and
the price difference is not so significant that it would be worth the risk.
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly recommended refraining from traveling to Russia. Thus, Narva residents’ shopping trips to Ivangorod cannot find favor with the authorities. However, Narva residents themselves have a different view on the issue – if there is no money, then there is no choice, you have to look for the cheapest products.
Vikulov noted that people are very careful not to bring banned goods into Estonia, as they will immediately be fined and face other problems: “The people of Narva who take things to Russia probably know the sanctions lists better than anyone else.” The journalist also noted that cross-border trade works in both directions, and the profit people make on products brought from Narva to Ivangorod is the same as always. This is food, and sometimes wine – up to four bottles at a time.
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