Estonia has temporarily closed a road normally used by its citizens, which runs partly through Russian territory, after the interior minister reported the presence of a group of Russian soldiers at the location, Estonian public service broadcaster reported today.
Estonian police and border guards said on Friday that the road was closed "after border guards noticed an unusually large unit moving on the territory of the Russian Federation."
Estonian Interior Minister Igor Taro said Russian soldiers had left the area again. He added that the situation was calm, but that the road would remain closed until at least Tuesday.
The Estonian Border Agency stated that the closure of the road through "Saatse Boot" is necessary to ensure the safety of Estonian citizens and prevent possible incidents.
Saatse Boot is a small part of Russian territory in southeastern Estonia, which juts out into Estonian territory in the shape of a boot. Estonians and other citizens can pass through this part without special permission, but they are not allowed to stop.
Estonian media reported that the Russian unit numbered about ten soldiers. Although Russian border patrols are common in the area, the media reported that it was unusual for them to stand in the middle of a road that Estonians also use.
Estonia is on high alert for possible Russian incursions after three Russian fighter jets entered its airspace without permission last month and remained there for 12 minutes.
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