Estonia has closed its border crossing with Russia. The reason is the activity of an armed Russian unit

The border crossing in the south-eastern part of the country was closed after an armed, unidentified unit was observed moving along the border on the Russian side, said the Estonian police and border guards.

– Judging by their uniforms, the men were not border guards, which constituted a clear threat to Estonia – said the commander of the border guard, Meelis Saarepuu, quoted by Delfi.

He explained that the group (about ten people) initially moved along the road, but at some point they positioned themselves perpendicular to it.

A video published by Estonian media shows masked men armed with rifles standing on the road.

According to Estonia, Russia only informed that these were routine activities.

The closed Saatse border crossing (approx. 60 km east of the town of Voru) is located on a road running for approximately 1 km through Russian territory between the towns of Lutepaa and Sesniki. Estonians can pass through there without permission, provided they do not stop in the area.

It often happens – pointed out the commander of the border guard – that people do not obey the ban and stop in this place, for example to take a photo. “This is the territory of the Russian Federation and the behavior of the local services is unpredictable,” warned Saarepuu.

The crossing was officially closed by the Estonians late on Friday evening and according to current information, the road will remain closed to traffic at least until Tuesday. Vehicles are directed along a detour route.

pmo/sp/