Former Russia minister refused entry into Estonia amid tensions

Estonia has banned an ex-Russian minister and academic from entering the country amid tensions between the two countries.

Former Russian national affairs minister Valery Tishkov was refused entry into Estonia after flying to Tallinn on Sunday. Estonia's Interior Ministry refused to comment on the nature of the ban but said a five year ban had been imposed on Tishkov.

The 72-year-old ex-minister had planned to speak at a major event in Tallinn before the ban, reports Postimees.  

The Russian Foreign Ministry called the move a provocation and said it would take retaliatory steps.

"We evaluate the Estonian side's action as a provocative action that is directed to obstructing the open and unbiased exchange of opinions of the two states' societal and science communities," the Russian Foreign Ministry announced. 

The Russian Foreign Ministry said Estonian authorities did not warn Tishkov of the ban and forced him to undergo a 'humiliating expulsion procedure' at Tallinn Airport.