Russian Foreign Ministry explains queues at the Russian-Estonian border

Russian border checkpoints on the border with Estonia are operating as usual, the information about their closure is inaccurate. This was reported by the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova on December 24.

"Given the spread of completely inaccurate information from the Estonian side, we believe it is necessary to inform the public that the border checkpoints on the Russian side continue to work, Russia does not plan to close the border, our country is ready to receive as many guests as want to come in the order established by law," - is given on the website of the Ministry her answer to the question about queues at the checkpoint "Shumilkino" in the Pskov region.

Zakharova recalled that the region has three checkpoints with Estonia, including Kunichina Gora and Krupp. On the eve of the New Year holidays, the traffic increases there, because Russian-speaking compatriots go to their relatives in Russia.

The situation has been aggravated by the fact that since May, the Estonian authorities have reduced the work schedule of the border crossing point "Narva-1," said the diplomat. Estonian authorities recommend citizens to go to the round-the-clock checkpoints "Koidula"/"Kunichina Gora" and "Luhamaa"/"Shumilkino.

According to the Foreign Ministry, due to the actions of the Estonian side, many hours-long queues began to appear at the checkpoints. False information is being spread that Russia is closing the border, and Russian border guards are allegedly subjecting people to increased inspection. At the same time, up to 150 people pass through Russian border checkpoints per day instead of the usual 10-15.

Zakharova emphasized that this situation was caused by the short-sighted policy of the EU countries - Estonia, which infringes on the right of movement of its citizens, as well as Finland, which closed the border with Russia.

Earlier, December 19, portal ERR reported that the Estonian government supported the proposal to ban residents of the country to participate in events in Russia and Belarus. Violators will face a fine or imprisonment for five years.