There is a weak point on NATO's eastern flank that could be used by Russia politically or militarily amid tensions with the West, writes focus.de.
It's about Saatse Boot - a 115-hectare Russian territory that stretches between two Estonian villages in the southeastern Võru region. The unusual boot-shaped territory could become a risk to Estonia's security, writes the German publication.
The strange border formation dates back to Soviet times. It turns out that drivers traveling between the two Estonian villages of Lutepää and Sesniki, for a short time (and a distance of nearly 1 kilometer) find themselves on Russian territory. The country road in question, Route 178, could become a geopolitical powder keg.
The strange Russian enclave in Estonia – and therefore in NATO territory – is increasingly worrying Estonian politicians. Anyone travelling along the route will find themselves briefly in Putin’s Russia. And all without passport control or visas, because there are no border checkpoints here. Officially, passengers are not allowed to stop or get off along this route.
Therefore, the Kremlin may be deliberately using Saatse Boot for provocations. At a time of rising tensions between Russia and the West, the road is a risky weak point directly on NATO’s eastern flank.
But how did this absurd situation come about? The answer lies in the drawing of borders after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Why this particular piece of land remains Russian remains unclear to this day. As BILD reports, locals say the area once belonged to a Russian farmer who did not want to give his land to Estonia.
According to Estonian media, the government is planning to build a new road that runs exclusively through Estonian territory. This will avoid unnecessary risks. The government has allocated 2.7 million euros for the construction of the new road. But regulations on riverbeds and animal habitats are slowing down construction. The project is not expected to be completed before 2028.
If Moscow decides to exploit the area politically or militarily, the defense alliance will face a delicate challenge.