Signal
Submitted
Feb 5, 2026 17:06 UTC
4w ago
Estonia will close nighttime traffic at the Southern Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossings on the Estonian-Russian border for three months starting 24 February 2026, to enhance border security amid disruptions from Russia.
Starting 24 February 2026, Estonia will close nighttime traffic at southern road border crossings Luhamaa and Koidula on the Estonian-Russian border for a period of three months to better allocate border protection resources in response to disruptive actions originating from Russia. The border crossings will remain open for 12 hours during the day. Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the necessity due to irrational and ongoing Russian behavior at the border. Interior Minister Igor Taro pointed out that this measure allows police and border guards to focus efforts where most needed and is a logical step given decreased cross-border traffic. In 2025, 239,542 people crossed at Luhamaa and 213,910 at Koidula, with significant portions being EU citizens and third-country nationals, including Russians. The situation will be reassessed after three months based on security needs.
Confidence: High
The article describes Estonia's defensive measure to close nighttime traffic at strategic border crossings in response to ongoing Russian disruptive actions at the border, representing a defense preparation activity aimed at reallocating resources to strengthen border security. No direct hostile aggressor action by Estonia is described; rather, Estonia responds defensively to Russia's border provocations.
Source URL
https://www.vm.ee/en/news/estonia-will-close-nighttime-traffic-southern-road-border-crossings-three-months-starting-24
Source reliability
C
Info credibility
4
Event time
Feb 24, 2026 01:00 UTC
End time
May 24, 2026 02:00 UTC
Event time confidence
unknown
Location
Southern Luhamaa and Koidula road border crossings, Estonian–Russian border
Primary actor
Russia
Country
Estonia
Countries
Estonia
Tags
Estonia, Russia, border security, Estonian-Russian border, nighttime border closures, Luhamaa border crossing, Koidula border crossing, border protection, defense preparations
Nodes
Node 1: Borders