February 6, 2026, 4:40 p.mFebruary 6, 2026, 4:40 p.m
Estonia has imposed further entry bans on Russians who fought on the front lines in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
According to the Interior Ministry, 1,073 fighters were placed on a blacklist of people who are no longer allowed to enter the Baltic EU and NATO country. It already contains the names of 261 other former fighters who were banned from entering the country in mid-January.
«Russian military personnel who have fought and continue to fight in Ukraine have killed, destroyed, raped and looted. The closure of the common European security area and the Schengen area to them is in the interests of all of our security,” said Interior Minister Igor Taro, referring to the risks posed by former participants in the war. “It cannot be the case that you kill people today and go on vacation in civilized Europe tomorrow.”
Estonia borders Russia to the east and is vehemently campaigning for an EU-wide entry ban for Russian war participants. According to the government in Tallinn, up to 1.5 million Russian citizens are estimated to have taken part in Russia’s armed aggression in Ukraine. Of these, around 640,000 are still deployed at the front. (hkl/sda/dpa)