HELSINKI — Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have banned automobiles with Russian license plates from getting into their territory, a joint transfer consistent with a latest interpretation of the European Union’s sanctions in opposition to Moscow over its conflict on Ukraine.

Estonia imposed the measure on Wednesday morning, matching comparable actions by southern neighbors Latvia and Lithuania earlier within the week. Estonia’s inside ministry mentioned the choice by the Baltic nations - that are all NATO members that border Russia - adopted “the additional interpretation of the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation published by the European Commission” on Sept. 8.

Under the EU’s determination, motor automobiles registered within the Russian Federation are now not allowed to enter the territory of the 27-member bloc, together with Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The Baltic states are among the many most vocal European critics of Russia and President Vladimir Putin.

“The goal of the sanctions against Russia is to force the aggressor country to retreat to its borders,” Estonian Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets mentioned in an announcement.

“We found in consultation with the Latvian and Lithuanian authorities that the restrictions are most effective when sanctions are imposed jointly,” Läänemets mentioned.

Dmitry Medvedev, the deputy head of Russia’s Security Council chaired by President Vladimir Putin, on Tuesday denounced the European Commission’s transfer as “racist.” He prompt that Moscow may retaliate by suspending diplomatic ties with the EU and recalling its diplomats from Brussels.

Reacting to Estonia’s determination on Wednesday, Andrei Klishas, head of the constitutional laws committee within the higher home of the Russian parliament, mentioned Russia ought to reply in variety.

“Only retaliatory restrictions mirroring that (ban) could lead to the lifting of such EU ‘rules,’” he mentioned.

Russia’s Federal Customs Service reported Wednesday that the primary car trying to enter Estonia with Russian license plates was turned away at a crossing level within the jap Estonian metropolis of Narva on the border with Russia. The service’s on-line assertion didn’t specify whether or not it was a truck or a passenger automobile.

The ban on getting into with a motorized vehicle applies whatever the cause for its proprietor’s or person’s keep in Estonia or the EU. The ban doesn’t apply to automobiles meant for the usage of diplomatic and consular missions of the EU and its member states, together with delegations, embassies and missions.

Also, motor automobiles bearing a quantity plate of the Russian Federation are allowed to depart Estonia or cross the inner borders of the EU, the inside ministry mentioned. The identical applies to Latvia and Lithuania.

“We cannot allow the citizens of an aggressor state to enjoy the benefits offered by freedom and democracy, while Russia is continuing its genocide in Ukraine,” Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna mentioned in an announcement.

Tsahkna mentioned Estonia’s authorities is to debate Thursday what to do with Russia-registered automobiles already within the nation.

The customs company of Lithuania, which borders Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave, mentioned on Wednesday that it had turned again 36 automobiles with Russian license plates from the border previously 48 hours.

Russian residents are in a position to proceed transiting by Lithuania to and from Kaliningrad by prepare.

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