Crossing border controls into Russia has long been a tense moment, a tension that has grown in recent years amid an overt, ongoing conflict with Ukraine. The experience is felt especially at checkpoints that connect the country with NATO neighbors, such as Estonia, where travelers, and in particular dual nationals, are asked for their views on the so‑called military operation, the EU’s role in arming Ukrainian nationalists, and even asked for a phone number and other personal details of anyone in Ukraine who may be fighting with Kyiv’s forces.
According to an independent outlet reported by Meduza — which Russian authorities have labeled a foreign agent and an undesirable organization — border screening now goes beyond opinion questions. Travelers are asked for written personal information, are questioned about sensitive topics related to Russia and its neighbors, and are even required to unlock a device to install software that can search for keywords and evidence of recent travel to Ukraine. While this level of scrutiny was common at the Kaliningrad–Poland crossing, it is now appearing at other border posts with the EU.
Finland closes its border
Alongside the strict controls, options to move from Russia to EU countries and back are diminishing. One neighboring country, Finland, decided to seal its eastern borders and will maintain this stance at least until April 14 this year. Helsinki watches Moscow’s actions in Ukraine with caution and fears becoming next, a concern that partly pushed its historic neutrality to pivot toward NATO membership.
There is also worry that Moscow might trigger a fresh migration crisis with people from Africa and Asia, similar to the 2022 situation between Belarus and Poland. Russia, citing infrastructure reforms, closed the Narva–Ivangorod crossing with Estonia in mid‑February, a key link between the Schengen free‑movement area and Russia.
Many Eastern European countries currently do not grant visas to Russian citizens at all, such as Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Yet some EU members, including Spain, Italy, and Greece, continue issuing Schengen travel visas to Russians.
Militarization
Meanwhile, at home, the state promotes a narrative of national pride and militarism. From the start, the ruling faction has styled itself as the spiritual heir to the Soviet Union, invoking the memory of World War II in public ceremonies, media reports, and political rhetoric.
Such messaging frequently downplays or omits the involvement of some combatants who have shown neo‑Nazi symbolism, including former Wagner mercenaries who have fallen from favor. The push to present a battle against fascism again aims to encourage Russians to sign up with the army, which advertises its salaries and benefits in cities across the country.
Beyond media channels, efforts have intensified to imprint these values on young people so they remain loyal and less likely to desert the regime. Patriotic education includes statements like “true patriots defend their homeland with a weapon in hand” and “the happiness of the nation is worth more than life.”
Some programs take a practical turn, teaching students to assemble and disassemble an assault rifle. In addition to teachers who sometimes lead demonstrations, military personnel also visit classrooms. One notable incident occurred at a school near Lake Baikal in Ulan-Ude, where former Wagner mercenaries spoke to students about patriotism and posed for photos with banners bearing group insignia and slogans such as “Not personal, just paid.”