Michal says Estonia can immediately close border if Russia mobilises

Estonia is prepared to close its border immediately if Russia announces a general mobilisation, Prime Minister Kristen Michal said after the government’s security cabinet discussed possible mobilisation scenarios and their impact on Estonia’s security, ERR reported.

Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the cabinet regularly considers different scenarios in response to possible steps by Russia, which he described as Estonia’s main or even only real security threat.

“If Russia declares a general mobilisation, it will certainly be an important step that will increase tensions inside Russia,” Tsahkna said.

Michal said Estonia must maintain a regular overview of security developments and be ready to respond if the situation changes. He said the government and relevant institutions would disclose details and specific measures to the public at the appropriate time.

“Depending on the threat assessment, different steps will be taken. It is also possible to close the border immediately,” Michal said, adding that Estonia’s police and border guard authorities were aware of the option and could close border crossing points very quickly.

Michal said a mobilisation could change the threat assessment and that Estonia would respond depending on whether it took place and in what form. He added that border measures would always follow the principle of reciprocity. Border crossing points have already had their opening hours reduced, he said, and full customs checks have been introduced.

Tsahkna said all European countries must monitor rising internal tensions in Russia. He said a large-scale forced mobilisation among a particular age group would significantly increase those tensions and that European governments must anticipate possible decisions, assess the threat and remain prepared.

Tsahkna said the potential mobilisation was a broader concern that affected more than Estonia. He said Estonia was better prepared for possible threats or tensions than much of Europe, but that European partners needed to understand the security risks posed by growing internal tensions in Russia.