Estonia extends nighttime border restrictions with Russia until end of August

Estonia has extended nighttime restrictions at border crossing points along its frontier with Russia for an additional three months, citing ongoing security concerns on its eastern border.

The decision was announced by the Estonian Ministry of the Interior, which said the measures will remain in effect until the end of August, Caliber.Az reports.

Under the restrictions, the Luhamaa and Koidula checkpoints—the only operational vehicle crossings between Estonia and Russia—will continue to operate daily from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Both crossings remain closed overnight.

The new measures also affect the pedestrian border crossing in Narva. Beginning in mid-June, the bridge linking Narva with Ivangorod will also operate on reduced hours, remaining open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. instead of the previous closing time of 11:00 p.m.

According to the Interior Ministry, traffic patterns have shifted since the restrictions were first introduced. Border crossings through Luhamaa fell by nearly 2%, while traffic through Koidula increased by about 6%.

Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said the measures introduced three months ago had proven effective and therefore warranted an extension.

Taro stated that the Russian side “has not shown good will,” while Estonian border authorities have adapted successfully to the revised operating schedule.

He added that the situation along Estonia’s eastern border remains a major national security concern and stressed that the government does not intend to make any rapid changes to the current regime.

By Sabina Mammadli