Estonian Police Chief Warns of Rising Migration Pressure via Belarus Before Freezing Weather
Estonian officials warn that migration pressure via Belarus is expected to rise as criminal groups facilitate illegal border crossings before winter. Authorities claim Russia is actively supporting this influx by easing visa requirements and organizing travel routes.
Why it matters
This highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions and the use of migration as a tool for political pressure in Eastern Europe.
No-VPN link Прослушать статью Migration pressure could increase significantly in the coming weeks as people currently in Belarus try to reach Europe before freezing weather sets in. Director General of the Estonian Police and Border Guard Board Egert Belitšev said this on the “First Studio” program on October 8, ERR reports .
According to him, Russia is using Belarus to put pressure on Europe. Belitšev claims that the Russian authorities have deliberately eased entry requirements for citizens of a number of countries and increased the frequency of flights.
According to Belitšev, flights from Ethiopia to Moscow operate six times a week, and these passengers can enter Russia without visas. Their main goal is to reach Europe.
The migrants then travel by bus to Belarus, whose authorities, in his assessment, do not obstruct the process but facilitate it.
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