Estonia Confirms Narva Border Crossing Remains Closed to Vehicles Amid Ongoing Ukraine Conflict

Estonia will not allow vehicles to pass through its primary border crossing with Russia until the conflict in Ukraine comes to an end, as stated by the country’s border authorities on Friday.

The Narva-Ivangorod crossing, which is the most heavily trafficked along the 294-kilometer (183 miles) border, has been closed to vehicular traffic since February 2024 due to construction, although foot traffic has been permitted. The construction at this checkpoint is projected to be completed next year.

Following reports that suggested a possible early reopening of the bridge for vehicles, Veiko Kommusaar, deputy chief of Estonia’s Police and Border Guard Board, clarified that such a decision hinges on Russia’s ongoing military actions in Ukraine.

According to Estonian broadcaster ERR, this is the first official acknowledgment that the reopening of the crossing is contingent upon the region’s political and security dynamics.

Currently, the Narva bridge is one of only three operational checkpoints between Estonia and Russia.

Last month, Estonian border guards installed new metal gates and barriers at the Narva crossing, and similar gates and roadblocks have since been established at all three border crossings.