In the wake of the Crocus City Hall terrorist attack, observers describe a tense border situation affecting travel from Riga toward St. Petersburg. Eyewitnesses cited by Fontanka outline how heightened security measures prevented the bus route from crossing the border, aligning with broader tightening of checks in the region. The day’s events prompted officials to reevaluate routes and establish alternate passage points for those attempting to leave Russia, with congestion forming near border checkpoints.
Accounts indicate the bus set off from Riga on the evening of March 22 and reached the border around 01:00. On the Russian side, the Shumilkino checkpoint remained closed, and Estonian media later reported that border controls were intensified following the Crocus City Hall incident. Staff directed many travelers toward the Kunichina Gora checkpoint in Pechory, a decision that led to heavy queues and longer wait times as people adjusted to the new flow of traffic.
After the border briefly opened, only a minority of passengers — about ten — were able to pass passport control and board the bus. The remaining travelers faced additional screening, with special attention given to individuals holding foreign passports or those who had not recently visited Russia. Reports from those waiting in line described systematic discussions with officials about background checks that included inquiries into potential connections deemed sensitive. Passengers noted that the process could stretch for an extra three to four hours as border personnel completed their reviews and cleared the queue.
Earlier material cited online displayed a photo related to the Crocus City Hall attack and a Renault vehicle implicated in the incident. Deputy Alexander Khinshtein later confirmed that a vehicle connected to the suspects was located in the Khatsun district within the Karachinsky region of Bryansk. This development added to the ongoing narrative surrounding the investigation and its impact on regional security and travel arrangements.
Public information at the time also clarified the citizenships of the suspects connected to the Crocus City Hall case, a detail that helped illuminate the international aspects of the threat and the subsequent border response. Analysts suggested that recognizing the nationalities of the individuals involved could assist in tracing movements and collaborations that cross borders, while authorities emphasized the importance of careful verification at checkpoints to prevent further risks. The situation underscored how swiftly security measures can adapt in response to a major incident and how border processes can be temporarily strained as investigators follow leads and establish safety for travelers and residents alike.