Estonia Constructs on Land Reserved for Russian Exchange, Bypasses Saatse Boot

The Estonian government has initiated construction on land plots previously reserved for exchange with Russia, citing no intention to proceed with the land swap. This decision marks a significant shift in Estonia's approach to its border negotiations with Russia.

In 2005 and 2014, Estonia and Russia signed agreements on the state border and maritime delimitation. However, these agreements have not been ratified. As part of these agreements, Estonia was to receive the 'Saatse Boot' area, currently in Russian hands, in exchange for a similar-sized piece of Estonian land near the border.

Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Leaenemets has made it clear that the country no longer intends to make a land exchange with Russia. 'Now it is obvious that we no longer intend to make such an exchange with Russia,' said Leaenemets. He also noted that it is unlikely that a land exchange will occur with Russia for 'several decades, or even centuries.'

To bypass Russian territory, Estonia will construct a new road around the Saatse Boot area. This development will allow people to move freely within Estonia without having to pass through Russian territory, where they are not permitted to stop.

The context of these developments is rooted in the fact that Estonia and Russia currently do not have a legally formalized border. A border agreement was signed in Moscow in 2005, but its ratification was stalled due to Estonia's inclusion of a reference to the Tartu Peace Treaty in the preamble, which Russia opposes.

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has responded to Estonia's move, stating that Russia will consider any illegal steps to seize its property as 'blatant robbery' that violates international law. Zakharova emphasized that such actions would destroy the centuries-long foundations of Western society, specifically the principle of inviolability of private property.

Zakharova also referenced a statement by IMF First Deputy Managing Director Gita Gopinath, who warned that the West's plans to use Russian assets may undermine the functioning of the international monetary and financial system. Additionally, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to China, the two countries issued a joint statement condemning initiatives to seize assets and property of foreign countries and emphasizing the right of countries to take retaliatory measures in accordance with international legal norms.

The construction on previously reserved land plots and the new road around the Saatse Boot area signify a major development in Estonia's border strategy. With no intention of a land swap with Russia, Estonia is moving forward with its infrastructure projects, despite potential international tensions.

Key Takeaways

• Estonia initiates construction on land plots previously reserved for exchange with Russia.
• Estonia no longer intends to make a land exchange with Russia, according to Interior Minister.
• New road will be built around Saatse Boot area, bypassing Russian territory.
• Russia considers Estonia's move as "blatant robbery" violating international law.
• Estonia moves forward with infrastructure projects despite potential international tensions.