Today, Russians can leave Estonia without any restrictions, and only a limited circle of Russian citizens can enter the country. However, even those who have the right to do so may be refused.
As you know, since September 18, Estonia has closed its doors to Russians wishing to visit the country. However, Vice-Chancellor of the Ministry of the Interior Veiko Kommusaar warned that even those with a residence permit may be denied entry.
Russians may be denied entry even with a residence permit
As Egert Belichev, Deputy Director of the Police and Border Guard Department of Estonia, reported, since September 18, entry has been denied to Russians who come to the country for the purpose of:
- tourism;
- visiting sports and cultural events;
- and recreational trips to the Schengen area.
However, those who come to visit relatives or for a funeral, or who have a residence permit in Estonia, can cross its border. However, Vice Chancellor of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Veiko Kommusaar said that if the authorities of the country become aware that the Russians fought on the territory of Ukraine, they will be banned from entering.
Estonia did not impose any restrictions on the exit of Russian citizens from Estonia. But if we find out that they went to war, they will not have the opportunity to return to Estonia,” Veiko Kommusaar stressed.
Estonia responded to the mobilization in Russia
Since the aggressor country has been “taking Kyiv in 3 days” for 210 days and is suffering huge losses, on September 21, Vladimir Putin signed a decree on partial mobilization in the country. Russians will be drafted into the army:
- from the reserve;
- who already have combat experience;
- with the military registration specialty required for the army.
In total, according to the Ministry of Defense, 300,000 reservists will be called up.
Estonia also reacted to such mobilization. Although the country is not threatened by an immediate military threat, a package of countermeasures is being prepared there. This was announced by Major General Veiko-Vello Palm.
The direct military threat to Estonia has not increased, but the importance of such a step, of course, cannot be diminished. This is Russia's next escalation step. The next step after that could be the announcement of full mobilization,” said the Deputy Commander of the Defense Forces.
The general also mentioned Lithuania's decision to increase the readiness of its rapid reaction units, since Russian mobilization has also begun in the Kaliningrad region.
Partial mobilization in Russia: what is known
- Russia wants to mobilize 300 thousand reservists. According to Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, the work on conscription will be carried out “scheduled, and not all at once.”
- Although the Russian command claims that mobilization will concern only 1% of the total mobilization resource, the Russians began to resent. It seems that they are aware of their prospects in Ukraine, so they are dispersing treason in social networks. Moreover, they are waiting for the announcement and full mobilization.
- The Office of the President also reacted to the mobilization in Russia. So, adviser to the head of the Presidential Office Mikhail Podolyak said that “everything is going according to plan” and noted that the borders with the EU are already closed for Russians.
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