Russia Alters Estonian River Borders: Tensions Rise Over Narva River Buoys

April 16, 2025

In a concerning development for regional stability, Russian border authorities have taken unilateral action impacting the boundary along the Narva River, which separates Estonia and Russia. The incident, involving the removal of key markers by Russian personnel, has left Estonia and its citizens navigating increasing confusion about their territorial waters.

Removal of Border Buoys

Last May, Russian border guards removed 24 buoys designed to mark the maritime boundary between the two nations in the Narva River. An essential safety measure, these buoys help users of the river, including fishermen and boaters, understand the location of the border. The Estonian government has consistently requested the return of the buoys, arguing that without them, river users risk unknowingly entering Russian waters.

Historically, marking maritime borders has been essential to maintaining peaceful navigation in the region. Before the tensions arose over Ukraine, both countries had agreed on buoy placements to accommodate the shifting riverbed, with assessments conducted regularly each spring. However, in 2023, Russia expressed disagreement with Estonia’s proposed buoy positions. Despite this objection, Estonia proceeded with the installation of buoys in accordance with an agreement made in 2022. ## Ongoing Diplomatic Strain

The incident has exacerbated diplomatic tensions between the two nations. On May 13, 2024, Estonia installed the first set of newly proposed buoys; just days later, Russian authorities removed a significant portion of them. The operation required Russian guards to intrude into Estonian waters, further complicating the already contentious relationship.

The Estonian Border Guard Bureau publicly condemned the removal, highlighting the historical significance of these markers as a means of demarcation and their importance for safe navigation. Estonia refrained from replacing the buoys, knowing that Russia would likely remove them again. Instead, officials continue to call on Russia to restore the markers that are crucial for complying with the established international border.

Broader Implications

This incident raises critical questions about territorial integrity and international relations in the Baltic region. If such actions were taken on land, they would likely provoke a large-scale diplomatic response. However, maritime borders have generally been viewed as more fluid, leading to less direct confrontation over violations.

Comparatively, this situation mirrors actions by other nations, such as China's construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, where gradual encroachments have gone unchecked despite international condemnations. The Republic of the Philippines took the matter to a tribunal under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, but China's disregard for the ruling highlights the limitations of international legal mechanisms when confronted with defiance.

Conclusion

As Estonia grapples with the implications of Russia's border changes along the Narva River, the situation continues to underscore the necessity for vigilance over maritime borders. The absence of visible markers not only complicates navigation but has broader ramifications for the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe. The unfolding circumstances require careful monitoring as they represent a significant chapter in the ongoing dynamics between Russia and its Baltic neighbors.