Estonia said on Wednesday it was “ready” to close its border with Russia after a similar move by Finland, with Tallinn citing a possible threat from its Russian neighbour, AFP reported.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that the situation on the Finnish border, where the number of undocumented migrants has increased in recent weeks, is a “frank hybrid attack initiated by Russia.”

Tsakhna added that the Baltic state “is ready to close its border with Russia and defend against any hybrid attack.”

Estonia, a former Soviet republic, is today a staunch supporter of Ukraine after the Russian invasion.

“This is new evidence that Russia is not only fighting in Ukraine, but also threatens other countries with its hybrid attacks,” said Mr. Tsakhna.

The Estonian government’s statement added that the ministers said at a ministerial meeting in Brussels that they are ready to help Helsinki if needed.

On Tuesday, Finland announced the closure of the last checkpoint with Russia, with which it shares a 1,340-kilometer border.

The borders of Finland and Estonia with Russia are the external borders of the EU and NATO.

Read also:

• Ten Nordic countries will increase their military presence in the Baltic region