Estonia maintains an operational gas pipeline that runs through Võrumaa.
This pipeline helps Russia supply the Kaliningrad region. Kaliningrad is located between Lithuania and Poland.
The gas pipeline is 22 kilometers long. It consists of two 70-centimeter pipes. The pipeline goes from Estonia to Latvia and then to Lithuania.
The pipeline belongs to the company Elering. Russia can use it according to the agreement. It is used when other pipelines are not operational.
Kaliningrad needs gas for its power plants. The Baltic countries left the Russian electricity system. Therefore, Kaliningrad is now an "energy island."
In 2023, half a terawatt-hour of Russian gas passed through Estonia. This is about 15% of Estonia's annual consumption.
Some Estonian politicians were not aware of this pipeline. Prime Minister Kristen Michal said he wants to stop its use. He is discussing it with Latvia.
If Latvia does not agree, Estonia may prohibit the use of the pipeline. This could be part of sanctions against Russia.
Estonian Energy Minister Erkki Keldo said that Russia could use the pipeline closure in an information war.
Currently, no gas is flowing to Kaliningrad. However, Russia can reserve the use of the pipeline.
Estonia banned the import of Russian gas in 2022. This was related to Russia's war in Ukraine.