Estonian border checks intensify as Russians vote in presidential elections

Russians living in Estonia can cross the border at Narva to vote in the presidential elections in Russia, but due to increased Estonian police checks, this journey has become significantly longer, ERR television reported on Friday.

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Although the border is currently closed to vehicle traffic, about 3,000 people cross it on foot each day. However, on Friday, the television present at the Narva border crossing noted few voters wanting to cast their votes on the other side of the border. The presidential elections in Russia started on Friday and will last until Sunday.

In previous elections, residents of Estonia's largest majority-Russian city could vote at the consulate in Narva, which was closed after Moscow launched an invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Currently, residents of this eastern city can vote in Ivangorod, which is only accessible on foot due to the border closure, or in Tallinn, which is less than 200 kilometres (about 125 miles) away.

"When asked about who they voted for, Russians mostly avoid answering," reported Estonian television.

- For Russia, I voted for Russia - said one of the voters.

During the elections, additional checks have been ordered at the border crossing, during which travellers are asked about their destination or place of residence, noted ERR.

The television recalled that in the previous presidential elections in Russia, 94% of Narva residents voted for Vladimir Putin.