Tallinn took Ukraine's side from the first days of the war. Estonia supports Ukraine in humanitarian terms and recently announced the largest military aid package in the 11 months of the war. At the same time, Estonia is trying to help put an end to a terrible war. Against this background, recently the head of the Estonian ministry of foreign affairs Urmas Reinsalu announced the consideration of the introduction of a coastal "contiguous zone" in the Gulf of Finland.
The Estonian government may freely take such a decision at the state level. But for the ships of other countries, including Russia, if there is a zone adjacent to the territorial sea, Estonia will be able to control the passage of vessels. This means that even a foreign ship passing through this area will be subject to the Estonian law acts and may be punished according to the laws of the country.
Thus, Tallinn will be able to increase the sanctions pressure on Russia. Estonia will also have the right to inspect Russian warships and even civilian ships that leave Leningrad, Russia. Estonia may also completely ban the transit of vessels through the Gulf.
