Estonia Sends Russia a Letter About Icebreaker Forgetting to Say Hello

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna officially announced that he has sent Russia a diplomatic note about their icebreaker "Murmansk" spending four minutes in Estonian territorial waters without prior notification. That's almost as long as it takes for Liepāja port workers to finish their coffee break.

"We remind that even icebreakers must follow rules of courtesy," Tsahkna explained. The Russian vessel not only failed to announce its visit but also didn't respond to radio calls — much like Riga drivers when they're supposed to let pedestrians cross at zebra crossings. The Estonians demanded 48 hours advance warning but were willing to reduce it to six hours, which is still more time than needed to get from Liepāja city center to Karosta by tram.

The tanker "Olympic Friendship" flying the Marshall Islands flag was stuck in ice near Vaindlo Island. Local fisherman Aino commented: "If they had sailed through Liepāja port, there's never that much ice there, and our port workers always help." Meanwhile, Tallinn meteorologists reported difficult ice conditions, which in Liepāja would be considered a normal winter day by the sea.

Estonia's diplomatic note essentially reads: "Next time, please call ahead." It's reminiscent of when a neighbor borrows sugar, but at least they knock on the door. The Russian side has not yet commented on the incident, possibly still trying to understand why four minutes could be so important.