Russia's Apparent Incursion Into Estonia Focuses Attention on 'Open' Stretches of Border
Diplomaatia editor Kaarel Kaas says the apparent abduction of Internal Security Service officer Eston Kohver by Russia is a lesson that the current measures for border surveillance are insufficient and he raised the specter of LGMs on Estonian territory.
The security analyst told ERR radio today that the border with Russia is not sealed in some segments.
"On these border segments, several dozen 'little green men' could come over the border if a situation escalates. It is very hard to localize and neutralize them once they are on Estonian territory," said Kaas, referring to unmarked Russian troops operating on foreign soil, as in Crimea.
Kaas compared the situation to Ukraine, where, he said, the situation was much worse and units could move around freely.
"It isn't so bad in Estonia. It is quite likely the border is not 100 percent under control in Estonia. Thus we should consider how to increase efficacy of the security. I don't think a Great Wall or Berlin Wall has to be built, but the current measures may prove insufficient."
Kaas said another lesson was that the Russian special services no longer play by the rules at all.
"This is a serious and sobering realization. Even in the worst days of the Cold War, certain rules were in place, which both sides honored."