As Finland looks set to ban Russian tourists from crossing the border to escape being drafted into Vladimir Putin’s arm, Estonia has warned residents they will be banned from the EU if they too join up.
In Estonia, some 20,000 residents with Russian citizenship that could be called up have been warned against answering the draft.
“We will not stop anyone to follow the orders but participation in a crime against peace is a criminal offense under Estonian law,” said Eerik-Niiles Kross, an Estonian politician, diplomat, and former chief of intelligence.
“An Estonian resident joining the Russian military in war against Ukraine will lose the residency permit and will be banned from the EU. There is no return for those who go.
“However, if a Russian living in Estonia receives a mobilisation order from Russia and decides not to go, Estonia gives him all legal protection and will not let Russia to force anyone.
“All legal residents with Russian citizenship in Estonia have the constitutional protection and same rights as all other residents.”
Russia does not have jurisdiction to prosecute anyone in Estonia who does not follow draft orders, he added.
Source: Skynews