Estonia bans the transit of grain from Russia and Belarus / Tallinn wants to block a new route for Russia's exports

Estonia on Thursday banned the transit of grain originating from Russia and Belarus through its territory, turning into law the warning issued to transport operators in September. The measure is preventive and seeks to prevent shipments from being redirected to Estonian ports amid the war in Ukraine and the increase in Russian exports through the Baltic region.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna announced the decision on the X platform. He accused Russia of attacking Ukrainian ports and blocking Ukraine’s grain exports while simultaneously seeking new routes for its own exports.

So far, Russia and Belarus have not used Estonia as a route for transporting grain. However, transit through Latvia has increased sharply in recent months, and Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are seeking to ensure that Baltic ports do not become entry points for Russian grain.

In 2024, the European Union introduced customs duties on grain products from Russia and Belarus, but these did not completely eliminate the possibility of transit to third countries. Tallinn argues that the new ban will prevent grain from the two states from being transported through Estonia and will ensure that it does not contribute to financing Russia’s war.