In September 1939, the ORP Orzeł, a Polish submarine, found itself in a precarious situation after Poland was invaded by Nazi Germany. Seeking refuge, the submarine made its way to Tallinn, Estonia, a neutral nation amidst the swirling tensions of impending global conflict. On the 14th of September, Estonian military personnel boarded the vessel, ostensibly for security and cooperation reasons. Nevertheless, this act was not just a simple military interaction; it became a focal point of international contention.

The Soviet Union, which harbored ambitions in the Baltic region, viewed this boarding as a potential threat to its regional influence. In the backdrop of Finland's impending conflicts and the realignment of Eastern European borders, this incident provided the Soviets with the justification they sought for further military actions in the region. The crucial detail of the event lies in the timing and the geopolitical calculations being made by various nations. The boarding incident drew the ire of Moscow, resulting in a swift diplomatic backlash.

The boarding of ORP Orzeł by Estonian forces had ripple effects not only on Poland's wartime efforts but also on Estonia's international standing. The situation escalated quickly as the Soviet Union used Estonia's involvement with Poland to bolster their narrative for claiming influence over the Baltic states. These tensions would culminate in the eventual occupation and annexation of Estonia by the Soviets later, marking a significant shift in the region's political landscape. Consequently, the incident highlighted the fragility of neutrality in a rapidly changing world on the brink of war.