Estonia bans transit of Russian and Belarusian grain through its territory

Estonia has banned the transit of Russian and Belarusian grain through its territory, in a preventive measure taken at a time when Russia is seeking new routes for grain exports. Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced that the warning issued in September not to plan the transport of Russian grain through Estonia has now become law.

According to Estonian public broadcaster ERR, the transport of Russian grain through Estonia has so far been almost non-existent, so the decision is considered mainly a preventive measure. Estonia, a member of the European Union and NATO, is cooperating with Latvia and Lithuania to prevent Baltic ports from turning into transit routes for Russian exports.

In September, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs stated that Russia is seeking new routes for grain exports and is exerting greater pressure on Baltic infrastructure, because of the limited possibilities for using Black Sea ports. Latvia has in the meantime raised transit tariffs for Russian grain passing through its territory, while parliament has begun reviewing a complete ban.

Estonia’s measure comes in a period of continuing tensions in the region, as the war in Ukraine enters its fifth winter. Russia has intensified missile and drone attacks on Ukraine.