Estonia sends note to embassy over promoting studies in Russia, occupied parts of Ukraine

TALLINN - The Estonian Foreign Ministry has delivered a note to the Russian embassy concerning an announcement published on the embassy's website and social media about study opportunities in Russia and in Ukrainian territories illegally occupied or annexed by Russia.

"We reminded the Russian embassy in the note that Estonia has a restriction in force which prohibits organizing the participation of young people from Estonia in events taking place in Russia or Belarus that are linked to or supportive of the national authorities in those states. The same ban applies to events held in the Ukrainian territories occupied by Russia. It is also forbidden to knowingly facilitate participation in such events," Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said in a press release.

In the announcements published on the embassy's website and social media about study opportunities in Russia and in Crimea, occupied by Russia, the Russian embassy in Tallinn is listed as the contact. This, the ministry said, constitutes the embassy's direct assistance in enabling young people to study in Russia and in the occupied or annexed Ukrainian territories.

"Such posts may encourage Estonian citizens to breach sanctions and thereby risk possible penalties," Tsahkna added.

Kristi Raudmäe, head of higher education at the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research, stressed that studying in Russia or in the territories occupied by Russia carries very significant risks.

"We strongly advise against it. Russia's participation in the Bologna higher education system has been suspended, which means that diplomas issued there have highly questionable international value. Such qualifications may not be recognized in Estonia or elsewhere in Europe, hindering further study or employment outside Russia. Russia is not currently a safe or reliable study destination," the official said.

On Dec. 19, 2024, the government of Estonia imposed a restriction under the International Sanctions Act prohibiting the organization of participation in events for Estonian citizens under the age of 21, or for those with a residence permit or right of residence in Estonia, if such events take place in Russia or Belarus and are linked to or supportive of the authorities of these states. The same prohibition applies to events in the Ukrainian territories illegally occupied or annexed by Russia. It is also prohibited to knowingly and directly facilitate participation in such events.