“There is no room for discussion.” Estonian foreign minister says army will fire on Russia's 'little green men' if they cross Estonia's border

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that if Russia's so-called “green men” tried to enter Estonian territory, they would be met with lethal force, in an interview with Polish media, quoted by the Kyiv Post.

The term “green men” refers to insignia-less Russian soldiers used by Moscow during its 2014 annexation of Crimea, who wore green uniforms without ranks or insignia to hide official Russian involvement.

Commenting on recent incidents on the border with Russia, including a case in October when unmarked people were spotted in the border area, Tsahkna told Polish publication o2.pl that Estonian troops “will shoot at them” if they cross the border.

“To be very direct: if the 'green men' ever cross our border, we will shoot at them. These will be the consequences, there is no room for discussion. If Russia is not sure that we will react, they might test us,” said Tsahkna, quoted by another Polish publication, Onet.

On December 17, the Estonian border protection authority announced that three Russian border guards briefly entered Estonian territory in the area of ​​the Narva River, where they stayed for about 20 minutes. At the time, Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said it was too early to determine whether it was an accidental crossing or a deliberate provocation.

In November, a Russian border guard vessel flying the flag of the Wagner mercenary group was spotted patrolling the Narva River.

In early 2025, Tallinn authorities announced plans to establish a military base in Narva.