The European Union has condemned Russia’s removal of buoys marking the border with Estonia on the Narva River. Estonian officials reported that 24 out of 50 buoys, which were placed to delineate sailing routes, were removed early Thursday morning.
Tensions over the border have escalated since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated, “Such actions are unacceptable.”
“This border incident is part of a broader pattern of provocative behavior and hybrid actions by Russia, including on its maritime and land borders in the Baltic Sea region,” Borrell said in a statement.
Moscow has objected to the placement of the floating markers, which are intended to prevent boats from entering foreign waters, and has disputed the planned locations of about half of the 250 buoys, according to Estonia’s border guard service.
Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas said she is working to clarify the situation with Russia. She noted that this incident seems to be part of a “broader pattern” of actions by Moscow aimed at creating fear and anxiety through border-related maneuvers.
Estonia’s foreign ministry summoned Russia’s chargé d’affaires, describing the removal of the buoys as a “provocative border incident.” In a statement, the ministry demanded the “immediate return” of the buoys.
This development follows the Russian defense ministry’s brief publication of a proposal to revise its maritime border in the Baltic Sea earlier this week. The proposal, which was later deleted, raised concerns among NATO members, including Estonia.
Moscow has yet to comment on the incident.
