Estonian Prime Minister Calls Removal of Narva River Buoys by Russia a 'Border Incident'

Tensions between Estonia and Russia have escalated following the removal of 24 navigation buoys from the Narva River by Russian border guards. Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas has described the event as a 'border incident,' highlighting ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries in the Baltic Sea.

The removal of navigation buoys by Russian border guards has escalated tensions between Estonia and Russia, highlighting ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries in the Baltic Sea. This incident could lead to further diplomatic tensions and potential conflicts in the region, with implications for international relations and global security.

The buoys, which were installed by Estonia based on the State Borders Act, were intended to demarcate shipping lanes and prevent navigation errors. Their locations had been agreed upon by border agencies in 2022. However, in 2023, Russia disagreed with the locations of approximately half of the 250 markers, sparking a proposal to redraw the borders.

The Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) reported that the buoys were removed around 3 a.m. on May 23. Some of the removed buoys were among those disputed by Russia. The PPA had installed the first 50 buoys in the Narva River just 10 days prior, on May 13.

Eerik Purgel, head of the PPA's Eastern Prefecture, stated that Russia has not yet provided an explanation for its actions. 'The Police and Border Guard Board will contact the Russian Border Guard and request clarifications on the removal of the buoys and return of buoys,' he said. 'We will continue to install buoys' if Russia does not provide evidence that the position of the shipping route has changed.

This incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Estonia and Russia over maritime borders in the Baltic Sea. The removal of the buoys has prompted Estonia to seek clarification from Russia, with Prime Minister Kaja Kallas characterizing the event as a 'border incident.' The reported proposal has sparked concerns among neighboring countries.

The broader context of this incident includes Russia's proposed revision of its territorial waters in the Baltic Sea, as outlined in a draft proposal by Russia's Defense Ministry. This proposal aims to update the coordinates used to measure the strip of territorial waters off its mainland coast and islands. The existing coordinates, approved in 1985, are based on small-scale nautical navigation maps.

Leaders around the Baltic Sea have reacted cautiously to the proposed changes. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis called the proposal an 'obvious escalation' that requires an 'appropriately firm response.' Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized that Russia must follow proper procedures as a signatory to the United Nations convention. Finland's Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that any challenge to borders would violate a U.N. convention and face international opposition.

The removal of the Narva River buoys is a clear indicator of the strained relations in the region. As Estonia seeks answers and prepares to reinstall the buoys, the incident will likely contribute to the ongoing discourse on maritime borders and territorial waters in the Baltic Sea.

Key Takeaways

• Russia removes 24 navigation buoys from Estonia's Narva River, escalating tensions.
• Buoys were installed by Estonia to demarcate shipping lanes and prevent navigation errors.
• Russia disagreed with locations of half of the 250 markers, sparking proposal to redraw borders.
• Estonian PM Kaja Kallas calls incident a "border incident", seeks clarification from Russia.
• Incident highlights ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries in the Baltic Sea.