The Estonian government on Thursday revealed plans to introduce full customs controls on its border with Russia to combat sanctions evasion, with the measures scheduled to go into effect on Aug. 8.
"The goods that allow [Russia] to wage war against Ukraine, undermine Europe's and Estonia's security shouldn't be imported there," Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal told reporters on Thursday.
Tallinn has said it suspects some of the goods declared for transit through Estonia and then Russia may be destined to remain in Russia, thus bypassing Western sanctions against Moscow.
"Third countries are declared as destination points, but we don't believe it. And life has shown that these goods don't reach the destination," Estonian Finance Minister Jurgen Ligi said. "This cargo includes really ugly things, both military and dual-use goods, large amounts of cash."
"It's obvious that these are being smuggled through us," he added.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said the decision to introduce full customs controls at the border was taken "to better ensure that we do not feed Russia's war machine."
"We must do everything in our power to help Ukraine win and raise the cost of war for Russia," Tsahkna wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
