Estonia ready to close all border crossing points with Russia if necessary

TALLINN - The Police and Border Guard Board (PPA) is closely monitoring the situation beyond the eastern border and is ready, depending on the situation, to close all border crossing points between Estonia and Russia, the Estonian daily Postimees writes.

Finland on Thursday announced the decision to close four border crossing points to prevent the increase in illegal immigration from Russia.

Head of the Border Guard Veiko Kommusaar said that Estonia is aware of Finland's decision and is taking into consideration that the people who so far have gathered behind Finland's borders may end up behind Estonian border crossing points.

"Entering the European Union through Estonia is possible only for those who have all the legal grounds to do so. We are monitoring the situation very closely and, if necessary, we are ready to prevent any illegal migration. Depending on the situation at the border, this may also mean the partial or complete closure of border crossing points," Kommusaar said.

The head of the border guard stressed that now is a very bad time to visit Russia, as it may be very difficult to return to Estonia due to Russia's activities.