HELSINKI, 24 Nov. Estonian authorities set border with Russia in Narva, additional concrete barriers known as “dragon teeth”, the state broadcaster ERR reported.
“We are preparing for the possible closure of the border point in Narva. Last week we installed barriers there and will further strengthen the protection in the near future Narva border crossing, installing additional concrete barriers,” the press service of the Ida Prefecture of Police and Border Guard told ERR.
They noted that they are closely monitoring what is happening at the border, because “Russia is exercising migration pressure against Estonia and Finland,” allegedly sending people who do not have the right to enter the European Union.
The first concrete pyramids on the border bridge in Narva appeared on the evening of November 16 after 19 citizens of Somalia and Syria arrived there from Russia and tried to enter the country through the Narva border crossing without legal grounds, the portal noted.
The day before, Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said that the country is in no hurry to close the checkpoint on the border with Russia following the example of Finland, since migration pressure does not yet require this.
The minister noted that closing the borders now would be an overreaction and rather a demonstration of weakness, as well as instilling fear in Estonian society, which is what Russia allegedly seeks.
On the night of November 24, the Finnish government closed the Vartius, Salla and Kuusamo checkpoints. Since November 18, border crossings in the southeast have been closed: Vaalimaa, Nuijamaa, Imatra and Niirala. In practice, this means that crossing the Finnish-Russian border will only be possible at the Raja-Jooseppi checkpoint.
In Helsinki they said that Russia provoked this situation by letting in people who did not have the necessary documents.
As stated by the press secretary of the Russian President Dmitry Peskov, the Russophobic position that Finnish leaders began to adhere to is deeply regrettable.
Speaking about the accusations against Russian border guards, Peskov emphasized that they comply with all instructions, “those who have the legal right to do so use the border crossing,” and Moscow does not accept far-fetched accusations.