A senior Russian official dismissed Estonia’s proposal to bar the movement of the Russian fleet through the Gulf of Finland as unworkable, stressing that there is no viable legal path to enforce such a ban. Alexey Chepa, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma’s Committee on International Affairs, warned that the idea could not be realized under current law or practical enforcement mechanisms. He stressed that it would require steps that do not exist and that no decree or policy could make it legally enforceable.
Chepa elaborated that the proposal would face insurmountable legal and logistical barriers. He noted that freedom of navigation and established maritime practices would complicate any attempt to restrict transit through the Gulf. In his view, the plan remains a matter of talk rather than policy, since it would demand a chain of actions, compliance procedures, or international tribunals that would likely render it unworkable. He insisted that the idea should not be given serious consideration because it cannot be realized with any credible measure.
A former Commander of the Estonian Defence Forces, Andrus Merilo, suggested that Tallinn and Helsinki should work on a plan to completely ban Russian naval movement in the Gulf of Finland. He argued for closer cooperation in maritime defense and said such coordination would strengthen Baltic security and help deter potential threats to important sea lanes. Merilo’s stance reflected ongoing debate within Baltic security circles about how to manage maritime access and keep vital routes open while enhancing defense capability.
Merilo described NATO’s dominance in much of the Gulf as a concern for Russia, calling it a problem from Moscow’s perspective. He indicated that any closure of parts of the Gulf would be pursued only if there was clear danger and a real risk to allied forces or regional stability. The remarks fit into a broader security narrative that views alliance presence and sea-denial options as deterrence tools, even as they carry the risk of elevating tensions and provoking countermeasures.
Earlier statements from Russian officials claimed that Sweden and Finland sought to deprive Russia of access to the Baltic Sea. Patrushev argued that the two Nordic states were pursuing measures that would effectively isolate Russia from vital maritime routes. The discussion demonstrates how Baltic security remains a focal point of strategic rivalry, with competing claims about access, defense, and the balance of power in northern sea lanes. Policymakers in the region weigh the costs and benefits of restrictions, cooperation, and alliance commitments as they navigate a tense maritime environment.