The Estonian counterintelligence official Eston Kohver, who is being held in the Lefortovo prison in Moscow, said he does not want two high-profile lawyers hired by the Estonian state to help him battle espionage charges, according to media reports.

Foreign Minister Urmas Paet said the decision is "regrettable" and shows Kohver's captors are not giving him the freedom to make such decisions.

Paet thanked the two lawyers Nikolai Polozov and Mark Feigin, who have represented such clients as the Pussy Riot members and a Ukrainian female pilot, for their advice on the case.

Kohver's situation is complicated, Paet said, adding that Estonia has many allies and friends who support Estonia's drive to have Kohver released.

Interior Minister Hanno Pevkur said earlier today that Kohver is likely to be under enormous psychological pressure in the FSB prison.

Kohver will continue with the Russian state appointed legal adviser.