Serious violations of sanctions against Russia have been uncovered in Estonia: authorities have intercepted attempts to smuggle goods across the border.

Estonia continues to register violations of import rules and the entry of prohibited goods into Russia. This occurs despite enhanced customs control at the eastern border of the EU with Russia.

This information was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Handelsblatt.

According to Eric Purgel, a representative of the Police and Border Guard Board, there are currently various sanctioned goods that are being attempted to be imported into Russia through border crossings.

One of the biggest issues is the attempts to export cash.

"We still see tens of thousands of euros per day trying to enter Russia in people's luggage," Purgel stated.

There have also been recorded attempts to import drones, chips, and other electronics. Starlink satellite communication systems are also being transported across the border.

Purgel believes that strict checks on passengers crossing the border are "very justified" to be effective and act as a deterrent.

Diplomatic Relations Between Estonia and Russia

The relations between Estonia and Russia have significantly deteriorated against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. Estonia, as one of Russia’s closest neighbors, actively supports Ukraine in its struggle against the aggressor. Tallinn provides military, humanitarian, and diplomatic assistance, consistently calls for increased EU sanctions against Russia, and advocates for its complete isolation on the international stage. Additionally, Estonia has significantly increased its defense spending, fearing security threats to the Baltic region.

For its part, Russia has intensified its anti-Estonian rhetoric, particularly through the expulsion of diplomats and declaring Estonia a "hostile country." A number of intergovernmental agreements regarding transit, economic cooperation, and humanitarian interaction have been suspended. Tensions have also risen due to border demarcation, the removal of Soviet monuments in Estonia, and Tallinn's support for Ukraine's NATO membership.

It is also worth noting that since August 8, Estonia has implemented enhanced customs control at all border checkpoints with Russia - in Narva, Luhamaa, and Kohtla. These measures aim to prevent the entry of sanctioned goods into Russia.