Estonia summons Russian diplomat following Narva River border controversy

The Estonian Foreign Ministry has summoned Russian Chargé d'Affaires Lenar Salimullin in response to concerns over the Russian Federation's stance regarding border crossings along the Narva River fairway.

The summons was prompted by the Russian side's removal of border buoys in May, Caliber.Az reports citing Estonian media.

The Estonian ministry noted that, for decades, both nations have maintained agreement on the fairway's course, establishing a clear and safe traffic zone for vessels navigating the Narva River.

In a statement, the ministry emphasized, “Both sides have consistently adhered to the current trajectory of the fairway, which has facilitated safe navigation for all vessels." It also alleged that Russia has declined to conduct riverbed measurements to clarify the fairway.

The term "fairway" refers to a navigable route in water that is sufficiently deep for ship passage. A significant portion of the border between Estonia and Russia consists of water boundaries, notably along the Narva River and Lake Peipsi. The contemporary border separates the cities of Narva in Estonia and Ivangorod in Russia, which were once part of a single agglomeration during Soviet times and are home to predominantly Russian-speaking populations.

In May, Russian border guards dismantled 24 of the 50 floating markers placed on the Narva, some of which were contentious. The Estonian Foreign Ministry condemned this action as a “provocation” and subsequently summoned the Russian chargé d'affaires.

In July, the Estonian Foreign Ministry proposed a joint effort with Russia to measure the fairway of the Narva River, highlighting the possibility that changing conditions in the river over the decades could have altered perceptions of its direction.

Previously, Estonia had considered blocking the Gulf of Finland in light of perceived threats from Russia.

By Tamilla Hasanova