On the early morning of May 23, 2024, Russian border guards removed 25 buoys installed by Estonia on the Narva River to prevent illegal crossings. Estonia made numerous diplomatic efforts throughout 2024 and into 2025, including proposals for joint riverbed mapping and diplomatic notes to Russia, but Russia rejected cooperation and failed to clarify disagreements on the border waterway. Consequently, Estonia ended the talks in May 2025, citing unconstructive Russian tactics. No buoys will be installed on the river during the 2025 navigation season to avoid confusion, but border patrols including EU Frontex teams will increase vigilance. Estonia maintains the temporary control line recognized by NATO and the EU, and warns about GPS interference from Russia in the area. Estonian officials suspect possible Russian provocations now that the river border is unmarked and are prepared to respond accordingly.

On the early morning of May 23, 2024, Russian border guards removed 25 buoys installed by Estonia on the Narva River to prevent illegal crossings. Estonia made numerous diplomatic efforts throughout 2024 and into 2025, including proposals for joint riverbed mapping and diplomatic notes to Russia, but Russia rejected cooperation and failed to clarify disagreements on the border waterway. Consequently, Estonia ended the talks in May 2025, citing unconstructive Russian tactics. No buoys will be installed on the river during the 2025 navigation season to avoid confusion, but border patrols including EU Frontex teams will increase vigilance. Estonia maintains the temporary control line recognized by NATO and the EU, and warns about GPS interference from Russia in the area. Estonian officials suspect possible Russian provocations now that the river border is unmarked and are prepared to respond accordingly.