Incident with a naval vessel and a tanker at sea.
Session: 15th Riigikogu, 5th sitting, information briefing.
Date: 2025-05-21 16:29
Participating Politicians:
Total Speeches: 10
Membership: 15
Agenda Duration: 12m
AI Summaries: 10/10 Speeches (100.0%)
Analysis: Structured Analysis
Politicians Speaking Time
Politicians
Analysis
Summary
The seventh question concerned an incident involving a naval task force tanker at sea and the legal aspects related to it, as well as the operation's execution in Estonian territorial waters. The Riigikogu asked Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur about the legal basis for the actions and whether they were carried out based on a routine check or an extraordinary intelligence report; it was also asked who specifically made the relevant decision and whether it was driven by political decisions or a higher-ranking officer. In the first discussion segment, the minister referred to the framework for maritime protection and security and explained that each case is assessed separately and the navy carries out checks in accordance with the established legal framework and international law (UNCLOS).
Decisions Made 1
Decisions were not announced clearly.
Most Active Speaker
The most active speaker was Member of Parliament Vladimir Arhipov (pid 0nFdBnElPyE). He primarily posed questions relating to matters of legal basis, the validity of decisions, and questions of responsibility. His speaking activity falls into the category "other" (political position assessment: not left or right, but other).
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
The seventh question addressed to Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur is being posed by Riigikogu member Vladimir Arhipov, and the topic is the incident at sea involving a shadow fleet tanker.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
During the information hour, Vladimir Arhipov stressed that the incident involving the tanker in Estonian waters has raised many questions, and he is demanding the determination of a clear legal basis, the decision-making process, and accountability.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
The presentation confirmed that the Estonian Navy has the right to inspect vessels in the territorial sea and the exclusive economic zone, and that every case is reviewed separately. The Navy monitors the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, fulfills the tasks assigned to it by the Riigikogu, and focuses on ensuring the security of critical infrastructure and maritime safety, pursuant to Article 110 of UNCLOS. Although the presence of Russia’s shadow fleet demonstrates the seriousness of the situation, the Estonian naval forces continue their work.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Chairman Lauri Hussar thanks the previous speaker and asks Vladimir Arhipov to pose a clarifying question.
Vladimir Arhipov
Profiling Fraktsiooni mittekuuluvad Riigikogu liikmedAI Summary
Vladimir Arhipov asks how the Minister of Defense would assess the operation—whether it was a failure or, conversely, highly successful—and whether the incident involving the ship that departed from Sillamäe port was a retaliatory strike for that incident or an entirely separate matter.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur confirmed that the navy is cooperating with the Police and Border Guard Board and the Transport Administration to protect critical infrastructure, and that if necessary, vessels will be directed out of Estonian waters. He added that there had been no plan to board the vessel, and he stressed the importance of avoiding the spread of Russian narratives. Pevkur further explained that the tanker that departed from Sillamäe port was operating with Russia’s permission and for safety considerations, noting that since 2022, the recommendation has been to avoid Russian territorial waters.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
Priit Sibul asks an additional question.
Priit Sibul
Profiling Isamaa fraktsioonAI Summary
Priit Sibul raised a question in the Riigikogu concerning the pace of amendments to the Weapons Act, pointing out that only one of the three ministerial decrees has taken effect while two remain pending. He further inquired whether the regulation issued in March is valid, if its confirmation is scheduled for May, and why the entire process is taking so long.
Kaitseminister Hanno Pevkur
AI Summary
Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that one of the three regulations is currently at the government level, and their swift approval is crucial because amendments proposed in parliament could alter the implementing acts. He stressed the need for cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior on the weapons law, mentioned plans to include the establishment of shooting ranges, and expressed his belief that people should be able to legally own firearms without having to join the Defence League. He hopes for support from parliament.
Esimees Lauri Hussar
AI Summary
He announces that he is concluding the consideration of today's seventh question.