Estonian authorities closed a short stretch of road on the southeastern border with Russia after groups of armed Russian soldiers were observed on Russian soil close to the route.
The road, known as the Saatsen boot, connects the Estonian villages of Lutepää and Sesniki. A section of the road crosses approximately 800 metres through Russian territory before re-entering Estonia. It was closed on Friday evening following an unusual presence of Russian military personnel near the route.
Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) confirmed the decision to shut the road. Video released by the agency showed at least seven armed soldiers in camouflage standing on the Russian side of the border. Estonian officials reported more than ten soldiers were present in the area throughout the day.
Künter Pedosk, head of operations for the PPA’s southern prefecture, said in a statement that the movement of Russian units in Saatsen had increased noticeably. “Russian border guards patrol Saatsen boot regularly, as it is part of their territory. Today there has been more movement than usual,” he said.
Authorities stated that the road closure aimed to prevent possible incidents or provocations. According to Estonian public broadcaster ERR, the shutdown is expected to remain in place until at least Tuesday. During this time, local residents must take alternative routes that add several kilometres to their journeys.
No formal communication from Russia has been received regarding the soldiers’ presence. Local media Postimees reported that the nature and purpose of the Russian military unit remain unclear. The group was not wearing identifiable national insignia, though their uniforms featured military camouflage.
Meelis Saarepuu, a regional commander of the Estonian border guard, told Delfi media outlet that movement through the area was no longer safe. “That is Russian territory, and the conduct of their authorities is unpredictable,” he said.
The road has long been a unique feature of the Estonia–Russia border. While it lies mostly in Estonia, it crosses a sliver of Russian territory. Under a long-standing arrangement, Estonian citizens are allowed to travel the route without stopping while passing through the Russian-controlled stretch. Known as the Saatsen boot due to the shape it forms on the map, the area has previously seen joint patrols and border management without reported conflict.
According to ERR, a bypass route avoiding Russian territory has been under discussion for years but remains at the planning stage.
Two official checkpoints, Koidula and Luhamaa, near the affected area, remain operational for freight and personal traffic. Goods flow through these points towards Riga and Western Europe.
The Estonian Interior Ministry and border agency confirmed that the overall threat level had not changed, though they described the situation on the ground as tense.
HT