What happened
Estonia's Internal Security Service has accused Russia of ordering an arson attack on a defense company that supplies unmanned ground vehicles to Ukraine. The attack occurred on August 15 at Milrem Robotics, a company based in Tallinn. A suspect has been caught and taken into custody, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Estonian Internal Security Service stated that the attack was a deliberate and pre-planned act carried out on behalf of Russian special services. This incident is similar to other attacks conducted in Europe against defense industry companies, including drone developers and those working with Ukraine, which have also been linked to Russian special services.
Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna condemned the attack, saying it is part of Russia's broader campaign to intimidate and weaken support for Ukraine. Tsahkna announced that Estonia will increase its support for Ukraine and pressure on Russia. The Estonian Security Police have advised domestic companies to review their cyber and physical security protocols due to the potential for Russian provocations and attacks.
Russia has rejected the accusation, with Kremlin Spokesman Dmitri Peskov calling the statements baseless and distorted from reality. The Russian Embassy in Estonia also stated that the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had not provided any evidence of Moscow's involvement in the arson incident.
Several European leaders have expressed their support for Estonia, including German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, and French President Emmanuel Macron. They have pledged to continue supporting Ukraine and take further measures against Russia.
