Estonia-Russia Tensions Rise, Riots Break Out Near Soviet Border

By Raven Apigo May 2, 2017

NARVA, ESTONIA -- Independence anthems cut through the chilled Estonian air, oblivious to the destruction lying in the town below. The faint scent of burning rubber coming from the town below tells the story of the previous night’s raucous activities. A bar’s broken door confirms the outbreak of a fight that carries far more significance than one might initially assume.

This is Narva, one of Estonia’s strongholds for its large ethnic Russian minority; a place where most cannot understand Estonia’s songs of independence. Native Estonians view the incoming Russians as threats to both their culture and politics, a minority that could quickly become the majority. The bar fight and following riot, allegedly beginning between a Native Estonian and a Russian who had recently relocated to Narva, is indicative of growing tensions between the two parties.

With peace talks and negotiations between the Estonian and Russian leaders set to occur within the next week, Estonian officials are working to curb further rioting, hoping to prevent the outbreak of any violence that could potentially force Russia to take military action.

Meanwhile, NATO and the rest of Europe continue to sit back anxiously, unsure of what action to take regarding the matter. It has already been established that NATO has no way of stopping a Russian invasion of Estonia short of nuclear war, according to a new RAND Corporation study. Russia has an undoubtedly powerful military capable of seizing the Baltic state without much difficulty.

A statement by the Estonian Prime Minister, Jüri Ratas, is yet to be made. ▪