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2mo ago

Estonia Keeps Saatse Boot Road Closed After Unusual Russian Military Activity

Officials say there is no direct threat, but the precaution remains in place to protect civilians who normally transit the strip of Russian-held territory.

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VINSKI, ESTONIA - OCTOBER 1: An Estonian border police officer re-enters a gate in a security fence marking the Estonian-Russian border on October 1, 2025 in Vinski, Estonia. Estonia recently launched formal consultations with its NATO allies after an incident on September 19th in which three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered the Estonian skies without permission. The incursion followed other incidents in Poland and Romania, both of whom are NATO members, whose governments allege that Russian drones violated their airspace. After the September 19th incident, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said "Nato's response to any provocation must be united and strong". (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board shut the shortcut on Friday after observing a larger-than-usual Russian unit on the Russian side of the route.
  • Interior Minister Igor Taro said the soldiers have since left, the situation is calm, and the road will stay closed at least until Tuesday as a safety measure.
  • Estonian media described a small group unusually positioned on the roadway, and an Estonian police official told ISW the personnel wore unmarked uniforms not typical of Russian border guards.
  • The route crosses the Russian-controlled “Saatse Boot,” where drivers are normally allowed to pass without stopping, making it a sensitive transit point for local traffic.
  • The incident follows recent violations of Estonian and Polish airspace by Russian aircraft and drones, and ISW assesses—without official confirmation—that it fits a broader pressure campaign it labels “Phase Zero.”